4 Things All Landlords Must Know before Renting

AD | 4 Tips Landlords Must Know before Renting – Tips for Landlords [Last Updated – August 2022]

Renting property is becoming increasingly more popular in the UK.

The renting sector has more than doubled since 2001. So, with renting on the rise in the UK, the number of landlords out there is also going up.

But there’s more to renting out property than some may realise. Today I have some tips for landlords, I’m talking about 4 things all Landlords need before they rent out a property.  

Let’s take a look at 4 Tips Landlords Must Know before Renting

Meeting Safety Standards 

Before you rent out a property, you have to make sure that the property is meeting all the safety standards. You will need paperwork such as an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), Gas Safety Certificate and Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

These are to ensure that your property has had the appropriate testing and has passed. This shows your property is up to code.

You will also need to make sure the property is fitted with Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms. And make sure that they are working before any new tenancy starts.

Keeping your property up to code is a huge must when you become a landlord, it falls on you to make sure that nothing is faulty. Also that all electricals are all working and have been checked by a specialist.

Also that there’s no fire hazards and so much more because if you don’t you are renting your property illegally and can land yourself in some seriously hot water. 

Landlord Insurance 

When you are thinking about becoming a landlord, you have to get good insurance in place. This helps to cover you against the likes of Building Insurance and Property Owners Liability Insurance.

These are the basics that come with most policies, but you can add on a whole range of other covers such as loss of rent, tenant default, accidental damage and so much more. 

Having good cover in places helps to ease your worries of renting out a property as it’s there to make sure that if something goes wrong, you have protection put in place. This can cover incidents such as a damaged property, or accident liability.

Choosing which insurance is best for you could seem daunting, but the trick is to shop about. Compare landlord insurance to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Conduct an Inventory

When you are getting ready to rent out your property, it’s a good idea to take inventory of the property. Make sure you take photos of every room before a tenant moves in.

Keep records and make sure it is all documented as this will help to avoid disputes further down the line. You should also make sure to do the same when a tenant moves out, it shows a before and after so that you know if anything has changed. 

Plus it’s good practice because then you know first hand if there have been changes, damages or anything else done to the property.

Property Standards 

Another responsibility you take on as a landlord is making sure that the property standards are upheld. This means no broken fixtures, locks, doors, windows etc.

It also includes the likes of water damage, mould, appropriate insulation and the likes. You have to get the house in liveable condition before you start renting otherwise you could be looking at fines, legal cases and even prison.

And once someone is living in the house and paying rent, it is your responsibility to take care of any repairs that need done. This includes re-homing tenants temporarily whilst work is carried out on the property if need be. 

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