Ultimate Landlord Checklist: Legal & Practical Steps Before, During, and After Tenancy
Get your property rental-ready with our detailed landlord checklist. Covers legal requirements, tenant management, and end-of-tenancy steps, plus links to pricing, photography, and inventory guides.
Who does this relate to
Landlords
Service Provided
Lifetime of a rental
Timeline
Before to the after
Your Complete Guide: Legally Ready to Rent — Before, During, and After Tenancy
Renting out your property should be rewarding—not worrying, confusing, or expensive. Here's a fully detailed guide to help Homesty landlords confidently manage every step—from initial preparations and legal compliance to mid-tenancy care and smooth move-out.
1. Before Your Tenant Moves In — Legal Prep Made Simple
Safety, Mortgage & Insurance
Check Your Mortgage Type
Ensure your financing is a buy-to-let mortgage, not residential. Using the wrong mortgage could breach terms and cause unexpected fees.Secure Buildings Insurance (and Contents if Furnished)
Verify your insurer covers rental use and consider adding landlord liability coverage.Certify Property Safety
EPC: Must be grade E or above; provide a copy to your tenant.
Gas Safety Certificate: Annual check by a Gas Safe engineer.
EICR: Must be renewed every 5 years.
Smoke & CO Alarms: Install and test on move-in day.
Legionella Risk Assessment: Conduct and document it, especially for complex water systems.
Legal Protections & Deposit Handling
Tenant Right to Rent: Confirm tenant eligibility and retain proof.
"How to Rent" Guide: Provide the most up-to-date version from gov.uk.
Deposit Protection: Lodge the deposit within 30 days in a recognised scheme (e.g., TDS, MyDeposits). Provide Prescribed Information to tenants.
Be aware: Renters Reform Bill (coming into effect soon) forbids accepting rents above your originally advertised price—so price smart from day one.
Inventory & Presentation
Complete a Mobile Inventory — photos, videos, meter readings, and descriptive notes. Our mobile guide walks you through the process. (Link: Landlord Mobile Inventory Guide)
Take Photos That Rent Faster — use framing, lighting, and staging to highlight your property’s best features. (Link: Take Great Photos Guide)
Set the Right Rental Price — compare similar listings, regional trends, and furnished vs unfurnished rates using our calculator guide. (Link: Price Your Rental Property Guide)
2. During the Tenancy — Maintain & Monitor
Continuous Compliance
Renew Gas Safety Certificates annually.
Keep your EICR up to date—note any advised actions.
Regularly test Smoke & CO alarms and visually inspect for damage.
Maintain Landlord Insurance including liability and contents (if furniture is included).
Tenancy Communication & Documentation
Record repairs and tenant communication in-app (e.g., Homesty’s messaging).
Encourage tenants to report issues promptly and clearly.
Please inspect mid-tenancy (with notice) for maintenance needs.
Avoid Legal Missteps
Never ask tenants to pay for landlord responsibilities (e.g., structural repairs, safety compliance).
Always document any agreed minor replacements or changes.
3. End of Tenancy — Wrap It Up Smoothly
Final Inventory & Clean-Up
Repeat your initial inventory process—take photos and videos of each room and document meter readings.
Compare to your check-in inventory to fairly assess wear and tear.
Handling Deposits
Resolve and return deposits within 10 days of the tenancy ending.
Provide itemized deductions with evidence (photos, quotes, receipts) if claims are made.
Tenant Communication
Send a final rent statement.
Ask for a forwarding address—help ensure smooth mail forwarding.
Offer a tenant reference—good tenants appreciate this gesture and it builds goodwill.
Quick Recap Table
StageKey ActionsBefore Move-InMortgage check, safety certificates, deposit protection, inventory, pricingDuring TenancyRenew certifications, maintain insurance, repair tracking, communicateMove-OutCompare inventory, return deposit, send final rent statement, reference offer
Why This Matters (and How Homesty Helps)
Avoid costly legal mistakes by meeting standards and documenting everything.
Build trust with tenants through transparency and responsible management.
Go digital, go easy with Homesty—everything from inventory, communication, contracts, and payments—right at your fingertips.
