The First-Time Landlord Checklist
A practical guide to renting out your property for the first time in England
Renting out a property for the first time can feel like a lot to take on. There is more to being a landlord than simply finding a tenant and collecting the rent, and getting things right from the beginning can save you time, money and stress later.
From preparing your property and arranging the right certificates to finding a tenant and keeping up with your ongoing responsibilities, this checklist covers some of the key things to consider when becoming a landlord in England.
1. Before you let your property
Before advertising your property, there are a few important things to check.
Check your mortgage
If you have a mortgage on the property, check with your mortgage lender that you are allowed to rent it out. You may need specific permission or a different type of mortgage.
Check your insurance
Standard home insurance may not provide the right cover for a rented property. Make sure you have appropriate landlord insurance and understand what is covered.
Check whether you need a licence
Some properties require a licence before they can be rented out. This can depend on the type of property, the number of occupants and the local authority.
If your property is an HMO or falls within a local licensing scheme, check the requirements with your local council before letting it.
Decide how you will manage the property
Think about whether you want to manage everything yourself or use a property management company.
Managing a property can involve tenant communication, rent collection, inspections, maintenance, compliance and dealing with problems when they arise. It is worth considering how much time you have available before making your decision.
2. Get your property ready
Your property needs to be safe, suitable and in a good state of repair before you let it.
As a landlord, you are responsible for keeping the property safe and free from serious health and safety hazards.
Before marketing your property, consider:
Carrying out any necessary repairs
Checking the heating and hot water
Checking plumbing and electrical systems
Making sure windows, doors and locks are safe and secure
Checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Making sure the property is clean and presentable
Checking that any furniture provided meets the relevant safety requirements
Making sure the garden and outside areas are safe and maintained
A property that is properly prepared is likely to make the letting process smoother and give you a better start with your new tenant.
3. Get your certificates and paperwork in order
There are several important documents and checks to consider before a tenant moves in.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
You will generally need a valid EPC before marketing your property for rent.
Gas Safety
If your property has gas appliances or a gas supply, you must make sure the relevant gas safety requirements are met, including an annual gas safety check carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Electrical safety
Landlords must make sure electrical installations are safe and comply with the relevant regulations. In many private rented properties, an electrical installation inspection and test is required at least every five years.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
You must make sure the required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and working.
Tenancy documents
Make sure you understand what information and documentation you are required to provide to your tenant, and keep good records of everything.
4. Find the right tenant
Once your property is ready, you can begin marketing it.
Think carefully about:
Setting an appropriate rent
Taking good photographs
Writing an accurate property description
Arranging viewings
Carrying out tenant referencing
Checking affordability
Completing the required Right to Rent checks
Keeping your application process fair and consistent
In England, Right to Rent checks must be carried out on all adult tenants who are required to be checked, regardless of whether you think they are British or not.
Taking the time to carry out appropriate checks at the beginning can help you make an informed decision about who you let your property to.
5. Understand deposits and permitted payments
If you take a tenancy deposit, you need to understand the deposit protection rules.
For applicable assured periodic tenancies in England, a tenancy deposit must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. The deposit generally needs to be protected within 30 days of receiving it.
There are also rules about holding deposits, rent in advance and other payments that can be requested from tenants.
Since the rental rules changed in May 2026, it is particularly important to make sure that any tenancy and payment arrangements you use reflect the current rules.
6. Keep records from the beginning
Good record keeping can make managing a rental property much easier.
Keep copies of:
Certificates and safety records
Tenancy agreements and required tenant information
Deposit protection information
Right to Rent checks
Referencing and affordability checks
Rent payments
Repairs and maintenance
Property inspections
Communications with your tenant
Invoices and receipts
Having everything organised means you can quickly find the information you need if there is ever a question or problem.
7. Understand your ongoing responsibilities
Becoming a landlord isn't a one-off job. Your responsibilities continue throughout the tenancy.
You may need to:
Keep the property safe and in good repair
Maintain gas and electrical safety
Keep required certificates up to date
Deal with repairs
Respond to tenant issues
Carry out appropriate inspections
Keep records
Manage rent payments and arrears
Keep up with changes to legislation
Landlord responsibilities can change over time, so it is important to keep up to date with the current rules rather than relying on old tenancy agreements, templates or advice.
First-Time Landlord Checklist
Before letting
☐ Check your mortgage allows you to rent the property
☐ Arrange appropriate landlord insurance
☐ Check whether a property or HMO licence is required
☐ Carry out necessary repairs
☐ Check the property is safe and suitable
☐ Arrange or check your EPC
☐ Arrange gas and electrical checks where required
☐ Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Finding a tenant
☐ Set the rent
☐ Advertise the property
☐ Arrange viewings
☐ Carry out referencing and affordability checks
☐ Complete Right to Rent checks
☐ Prepare the correct tenancy documentation
Before the tenant moves in
☐ Deal with the tenancy deposit correctly
☐ Provide the required information and documents
☐ Record meter readings
☐ Complete an inventory and schedule of condition
☐ Make sure the property is clean and ready
During the tenancy
☐ Keep the property safe and in good repair
☐ Respond to repairs and maintenance
☐ Keep certificates and records up to date
☐ Carry out appropriate inspections
☐ Keep up with changes to landlord legislation
Thinking about letting your property?
Being a landlord can be rewarding, but there is a lot to keep track of — particularly if you're doing it for the first time.
At Well Placed & Co, we can help with everything from getting your property ready to let and finding a tenant, through to ongoing property management.
Whether you are letting your first property or simply want someone to take care of the day-to-day management, we're here to help.
Get in touch to talk about your property.
Please note: This guide provides general information for landlords in England and is not legal advice. Landlord and tenant legislation can change, so landlords should check the latest government guidance and seek professional advice where appropriate.
Last reviewed: September 2026
