60 Must-Do's for Landlords

1
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2
What's your current rental situation?* This field is required.
I have an existing letting
I have a letting starting soon
I'm just looking to explore the lettings requirements
3
When did your letting start, or if coming in the future, when will it start?* This field is required.
If just exploring, use today's date.
Day
Month
Year
4
The Tenancy Agreement - is it in writing and signed by you and your tenant(s)?* This field is required.The Agreement must outline the term of the tenancy (fixed under an AST, but post Renters Rights Bill likely to be non-fixed term), the rent payment due, and all obligations. It must be issued to the tenants prior to the tenancy starting to permit time to read and understand it.
yes
no
not sure
5
How to Rent Guide (issued to tenant and with signature for proof)?* This field is required.A legal requirement to issue this...but some landlords aren't aware. And it has to be the correct version.
yes
no
not sure
6
Deposit Lodged* This field is required.Did you lodge this with a Deposit Scheme provider within 30 days of the tenancy commencement? This has been mandatory since April 2007
yes
no
not sure
Used a No-Deposit Service
7
Deposit Certificate* This field is required.Did you issue a Deposit Certificate to the tenant(s) within 30 days of receiving the funds?
yes
no
not sure
Used a No-Deposit Service
8
Prescribed Information* This field is required.Another legal requirement - the tenant has to sign this to confirm they have details of their deposit
yes
no
not sure
9
Energy Performance Certificate* This field is required.Do you have evidence that this was issued to the tenant(s)?
yes
no
not sure
10
Gas Safety Certificate* This field is required.If there's gas supplied to the property, it is essential to issue a GSC (and have evidence of this)
yes
no
not sure
11
Inventory photographs* This field is required.These are NOT a legal requirement, but in the event of a dispute your case could depend upon them
yes
no
not sure
12
A signed inventory* This field is required.Without a (signed) inventory, evidence of any damage caused by tenants would be hard to prove
yes
no
not sure
13
Guarantor Agreement (if you have one)* This field is required.If you have a Guarantor, have you ensured the deed is signed by all parties and executed?
Signed Guarantor Agreement
We don't need one
We had one, but not renewed
14
Guarantor Referencing (if you have one)* This field is required.Have you referenced your Guarantor? Are they a home owner (for the best security)? ID received and address/contact details saved on file?
I/we are confident our Guarantor has been referenced fully
We have a Guarantor but the details/referencing have not been handled adequately
We don't need one
15
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)* This field is required.Mandatory after Jul 1st 2020. It is essential that the electrician who conducted the test is registered with a regulatory body.
yes
no
not sure
16
Smoke alarms tested?* This field is required.Landlords need to comply with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations 2015. A landlord should test all smoke alarms prior to move-in and obtain a tenant's signature as proof, and that they assume responsibility during the tenancy
Yes, tested and signed for
Yes, tested but no proof via signature
Not tested
Not sure
17
Carbon Monoxide detectors* This field is required.Mandatory to install since October '22
yes
no
not sure
18
Selective and HMO Licensing* This field is required.Landlords need to prove that they have the right to let AT ALL if the property is in a Selective Licensing area or is an HMO. You need to issue the license to each tenant - have you got proof via a signature?
Yes, licensing is in place and signed for
No, a license has not been applied for
not sure
Not applicable - not subject to licensing
19
Section 48 Notice correct?* This field is required.Under section 48 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, a landlord of a residential tenancy is required to provide their tenants with their name and address (which must be in England or Wales) where the tenants can serve any notices on the landlord.
The address for service is in the Tenancy Agreement and is correct
The address for service is now incorrect and a Section 48 Notice has not been issued
not sure
20
Inspection regime clarified?* This field is required.There is no legal requirement to carry out inspections. However, a good, probably essential, routine is to inspect quarterly or half-yearly - this also enables a tenant to advise of faults and issues. A good agent will do this for you. You need to give at least 24 hours notice of an inspection.
We have an inspection routine and have advised the tenants
We do not have an inspection regime and ought to implement one
We do not inspect our rental
21
Did you (or your agent) carry out a Right to Rent Check?* This field is required.You or your agent have to establish the right of tenants to actually take on a rental - in effect, we have to be mini Border Guards! Create a reminder to ensure that time-sensitive visas are acted upon.
yes
no
not sure
22
Do you have tenant signatures on all this core paperwork?* This field is required.Without valid signatures from tenant(s) remedial action will be necessary (but we can help!)
yes
no
some but not all
23
Let's pause and think about whether this list of basic requirements is raising any immediate issues in your tenancy (remember, we're here to help if you want to ask)For instance, many landlords may not be sure if documents that were issued at the outset of a tenancy, have then been issued again on renewals of that tenancy, like gas safety certificates. This is very important in any legal proceedings such as a Section 21 if you want your property back.
This is just your opportunity to note any issues you may be pondering
24
Are you still in the original agreement term, OR has the tenancy been renewed, OR has your tenancy now become Periodic i.e. rolling?* This field is required.If the tenancy has yet to start, or you're just exploring for your info, go with "still in initial term"
Still in initial term
Now in a new lease term
In a Periodic (i.e. rolling) tenancy
25
This question applies to tenancies that were Periodic prior to October 2015. Did you (or your agency) issue a new agreement and all accompanying paperwork in October 2018?* This field is required.We know this seems incredibly detailed - but believe it or not it is vital. Under the Deregulation Act 2015 new compliance standards apply, affecting ALL tenancies after October 2018
Yes
No
Not sure
N/A - was not Periodic
26
Deposits are set at a maximum of five-week's rent (under legislation applying from 1st June 2019). If yours was ever higher, have you refunded the excess?* This field is required.Deposits are set at a maximum of five-week's rent (under legislation applying from 1st June 2019). If yours was ever higher, have you refunded the excess?
It is Five Weeks
It's still the original (higher) sum
Not sure
N/A - no deposit
27
Rent Increases after the initial term* This field is required.How have you increased rent at the end of the initial fixed term?
Issued a Sec 13 Notice in Periodic tenancy, using Form 4
Original tenancy agreement includes rent review clause
Mutual agreement, with documentary evidence
Mutual agreement, no documents supporting
Not sure
Have not increased rent
28
Periodic Agreement* This field is required.Do you know if your agreement after the end of the initial fixed term is now a Contractual Periodic agreement, or a Statutory Periodic agreement?
Contractual Periodic agreement, as allowed for in the original tenancy agreement
Statutory Periodic, as there was no clause covering this
Not sure
Not applicable - in a fixed term, either original or a new agreement
29
What date was the Gas Safety done that was issued at the start of the tenancy?* This field is required.Double check whether any warning notices regarding repairs were notified.
Choose Date
Day
Month
Year
30
Was this Gas Safety Certificate actually issued to the tenant(s) right at the start of the tenancy?* This field is required.The date on which the GSC was issued to each tenant is legally important.
yes
no
not sure
31
Have subsequent GSC's since the start of the tenancy (if applicable) been issued to the tenant(s)?* This field is required.The date on which follow-up GSC(s) were issued to each tenant is legally important.
yes
no
not sure
Does not apply - initial GSC still current
32
Where is your Security Deposit lodged?* This field is required.
DPS custodial scheme
TDS custodial scheme
TDS insured scheme (usually via your agent)
My Deposits
A No-Deposit scheme such as Flatfair
Deposit has not been lodged
Not sure
I didn't take a deposit
33
What date was your EPC done?* This field is required.Rules for minimum acceptable rankings will be significantly tightened - & if the current minimum has not been hit the property cannot be let AT ALL. We are accredited to do landlord EPC's - talk to us!
Choose Date
Day
Month
Year
34
What rating did your property achieve?* This field is required.
A-C
D (will be below minimum from 2030)
E
F or G (below current minimum)
35
What date was your EICR done?* This field is required.Your electrician MUST be registered with a regulatory body on the date the tests were carried out and the certificate issued
Choose Date
Year
Month
Day
36
Are there rent arrears on the property?* This field is required.Any limited arrears (one month) need action: lengthier arrears can involve significant cost to recover
No
Yes - 1 month
Yes - 2 months or more
Don't know
37
Have you, or your Agent if you have one, issued a Section 21 Notice or a Section 8 Notice?* This field is required.These are very complex processes: we can check the details for you before you incur Court expense. Have you given the statutory notice? NB Section 21 Notices are scheduled to be removed under the Renters Rights Bill if it becomes law.
No, not necessary
Section-21
Section-8
Neither - but I need advice
38
Is a Local Authority involved? For instance, has your tenant been advised to stay until evicted by Court Bailiffs?* This field is required.It is sadly all too common for Local Authorities to advise tenants to defy a Section 21 until the bailiffs are instructed, in order not to "make themselves intentionally homeless". Councils have been advised by Government not to do this. NB you cannot under any circumstances enter the property until surrender of possession (return of keys)
Yes, the tenant has been advised to stay put
No, does not apply
39
Do you have a Letting Agent managing the property?* This field is required.We do not need to know the name of the agent. Landlords often assume an unsatisfactory arrangement with an agent is something they are stuck with - this is generally not the case. Ask about our We-Switch-You plan
Yes
No, I/we self-manage
Is there a concern about your agent? If so, select this
40
Do you have a buy-to-let mortgage on the property?* This field is required.The loan details are completely private to you: this is just so that you can confirm to yourself that the right sort of paperwork is in place for your rental property
Yes
No, there is no loan
I have a loan, but it is a residential mortgage
41
Consent to Let: do you have a residential mortgage on the property?* This field is required.Again, we do not need to know any of the loan details, this is just so that you can confirm to yourself that you have secured the lender's consent (it's not normally withheld, but may come with additional cost implications)
Yes, the original mortgage WITH consent to let
Yes, but WITHOUT a lender consent to let
Not applicable - no loan or a b-t-l mortgage
42
Do you have landlord's buildings insurance in place, as a minimum?* This field is required.If you have a mortgage, your lender will require you to protect the asset they are lending against with at least buildings cover and this must be designed specifically for landlord risks. It may be included if a leasehold flat within your service charge.
Yes, I/we have landlords buildings cover
No, there is no landlord insurance in place
I/we have opted to do without insurance
43
Do you have landlord's rent guarantee and legal expenses cover?* This field is required.This NOT a legal requirement. Many landlords however see that rising cost of living burdens on tenants may lead to increased risk of rent default: could you cope with losses if your tenant failed to pay?
Yes, I/we have landlords rent guarantee and legal expenses cover
No, there is no landlords rent protection insurance
I/we need to consider rent protection
44
Is the property a leasehold property?
YESNO
45
In a leasehold property rental, are you satisfied that all lease covenants have been complied with?* This field is required.
Yes, I/we are satisfied the lease covenants have been adhered to
I/we have not checked
Not sure
46
If the property is a leasehold rental, does your tenant have pets?* This field is required.Some leases prohibit the occupants from having pets
The tenants do not have pets
The tenants do have pets
Not sure
47
Are you registered with the ICO?* This field is required.Go here for some information about fees and the requirements. Fines for non-registration and non-payment can be as much as £4350 for this often forgotten legal requirement..
Yes, registered with ICO
No, not registered with ICO
Not sure
Not applicable - we hold no data whatsoever
48
Is all furniture compliant regarding fire safety?* This field is required.The Furnishing and Fire Regulations apply to furnished properties
Not applicable - unfurnished
Yes, all furniture has fire safety compliance markings
No, some furniture is not compliant
Not sure
49
Solid Fuel or Fixed Combustion appliance present?* This field is required.If you have one present in any room used as living accommodation (other than a gas cooker) you must have a carbon monoxide detector in that environment
Not applicable
Yes, and we have CO detector
No, we do not have a CO detector
Not sure
50
Portable Appliance Test conducted?* This field is required.If you leave any portable electrical appliances in the property they must be PAT tested
Not applicable
Yes, and we have certificate
Tested, but no certificate
Not sure
51
Legionella Risk Assessment conducted?* This field is required.There is a duty to assess the risk from exposure to Legionella to ensure the safety of tenants. This does not require an in-depth, certificated assessment like a GSC, but it must nevertheless be assessed by a competent person.
Yes, and I/we have a risk assessment on file
I/we have not conducted a risk assessment
Not sure
52
Right to Rent Checks conducted?* This field is required.The Immigration Act 2016 requires all landlords to carry out Right to Rent checks on all over-18 year old occupiers. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and even a prison sentence. Agents have quick and easy software for the purpose
Right to Rent Checks have been conducted by me/us as landlords
Right to Rent Checks have been carried out by our my/our agency
Right to Rent Checks have not been carried out on the tenants
Not sure
53
Right to Rent - updates* This field is required.The Immigration Act 2016 requires that updates are carried out - for instance on time-sensitive visas, or previously under-18's who now require their Right to Rent status to be checked.
Right to Rent Checks have been updated
Right to Rent Checks have not been updated
Right to Rent Checks have not been carried out on the tenants
Not sure
54
Illegal Activity* This field is required.The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 will apply to you as landlord if you spot illegal activity during the course of a tenancy (for instance during an inspection) and fail to report it.
There may be issues
Not sure
There are no illegal activities that I am aware of
55
Has the property any sort of problem with mould (the commonest complaint)?* This field is required.Since 2023 it's now necessary for landlords to accept responsibility for ALL issues of mould - you cannot claim "lifestyle issues" on the part of the tenant. It's the best possible idea to educate tenants about how to avoid mould.
Yes - we believe it's due to tenant lifestyle issues
Yes, and it's due to a property defect (e.g. gutters, lack of extractors, rising damp)
No, we can honestly say no mould problem has ever been reported
56
Do you (or your agent) have an audit trail of inspections?* This field is required.As we said at the outset of the tenancy, we recommend you follow our standard practise of a quarterly inspection: it's a chance to talk through with your tenants anything that's bugging them, so you can head off issues before they become problems.
Yes, we (or the agent) inspect and keep records
Yes, but we have no records
We carry out occasional visits only
No, we do not carry out inspections
57
When did you last carry out an inspection (as near as you can date it)?If you do not do inspections, leave blank and move on. But if you have done inspections this is a useful record.
Choose Date
Day
Month
Year
58
Do you (or your agent) have an audit trail for maintenance?* This field is required.It's always best to record your responses to tenant requests for maintenance. Courts do appreciate that contractors aren't available at the drop of a hat, but you have to demonstrate prompt action taken.
Yes, we have a good record
We have some records (e.g. in e-mails)
No, we have either no records or poor records
59
Is your tenant denying you access for anything, even legally required services like Gas Safety Checks, EICR, EPC?* This field is required.Document your efforts to get access: send them an e-mail to remind them of their obligation to allow access (with notice) so you have evidence.
No, we have access and no issues
Yes, we are being denied access
60
Finally, a general viewpoint about the property condition* This field is required.We appreciate that questions about condition can be very subjective. The only point about this question is to honestly appraise anything that might enable a tenant to attack your compliance in Court, and therefore deny you repossession. You must be able to pass the HHSRS Housing Health and Safety Rating System that local authority inspectors would use to assess your property if serious issues were raised (for instance by a tenant in dispute). A prohibition order from the EHO would last for six months after the work has been completed, preventing you from issuing notice in this period.
The property is in excellent condition and being maintained well
The property is an acceptable home: thoroughly vetted between lettings and what you'd describe as meeting the Decent Homes Standard
There's no denying it is tired, run-down, or has not been improved in a good few years. I probably need to know if this could give rise to a disrepair counter-claim by a tenant
61
Name* This field is required.
First Name
Last Name
62
Email* This field is required.
example@example.com
63
Phone Number* This field is required.
Area Code
Phone Number
64
Postal Code* This field is required.Post code of your rental property: some areas now have Selective Licensing which this will help identify. Enforcement applies in these areas and can lead to heavy fines if the license is absent.
65
Submit your Form Here* This field is required.This will immediately send you a neat pdf document of your own answers to each question - this will help you review your own compliance as it is now.
66
YOUR COMPLIANCE SCORE! (out of a possible 100)Does it look OK? ANY "lost points" can be explained in a simple free discussion with our expert team - simply drop your details in the tabs above. If you've got a "situation" you may find it helpful to chat it through with us.
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