UK Landlord Starter Pack

Who this is for

You’re relocating, can’t sell, became an “accidental landlord,” or you’re stuck with an agent who sends one WhatsApp a month and calls it management. You don’t need another brochure — you need a sequence that stops expensive mistakes.

1. Permissions & money first

Advertising before you’ve spoken to your lender is how people get into serious trouble. Do this before the photos.

• Ask your lender for Consent to Let, or discuss switching to buy-to-let
• If it’s leasehold, check the freeholder / lease for subletting rules
• Ask the council about selective licensing or HMO licensing
• Research local rents — too high = voids; too low = you leave money on the table
• Budget for maintenance and empty weeks (many landlords aim ~10% of annual rent)
• Get landlord insurance that knows the property is rented

2. The legal pack tenants (and courts) expect

England landlords juggle a long list of rules. Miss the basics and you risk fines — and weaker options later if something goes wrong.

• EPC — usually rating E or above
• Gas safety — annual certificate from a Gas Safe engineer
• EICR — electrical check, typically every five years
• Smoke / CO alarms — fitted and tested at the start of the tenancy
• Right to Rent — check documents and keep copies
• Deposit protection — government-backed scheme within 30 days + prescribed info
• Written agreement + England’s How to rent guide

3. Make the house look lettable

Tenants decide in seconds from photos. Agents who use dark, cluttered phone snaps are already failing you.

• Fix the obvious: heating, leaks, broken locks, tired sealant
• Deep clean; remove personal clutter and valuables
• Shoot daylight photos of every room, garden, and exterior
• Write a listing that answers: rent, deposit, bills, parking, pets, available date
• Prepare a photo inventory before move-in day

4. Tenants: speed + standards

Fast replies fill voids. Proper referencing protects sleep. You want both.

• List where tenants actually search — not just a shop window sticker
• Reference: credit, income/employment, previous landlord
• Complete Right to Rent before keys are handed over
• Agree everything in writing before anyone moves boxes in

6. Day-one tenancy checklist

• Signed agreement (all parties)
• Deposit protected + prescribed information served
• First rent received
• Inventory signed with dated photos
• Keys + meter readings recorded
• Certificates given to tenants
• Rent payment method set up

Fee reality (so you don’t get soft-sold)

A “small” 10% cut on £1,500/month is about £1,800 a year — before extras. Compare tenant-find, rent collection, and fully managed on a written quote. Cheap silence is still expensive.