02/10/2020
š”MOVING DAY ā Moving in a new tenant!š”
Landlords, hereās a quick guide to help you get your property ready before the big move in dayā¦
ā
Keep on the right side of the law
There are a lot of legal obligations that a landlord must know about. Itās really important that you know about them. You can speak to a local letting agent or find details on the internet.
ā
Ensure your property is safe
You will need to provide a gas safety certificate (CP12), an Electrical Installation Condition report (EICR) and a Legionella risk assessment. If you are providing any electrical equipment, you will need to ask an electrician to carry out a PAT test to ensure they are safe. You will also need to ensure that there is a working smoke alarm on every floor of your property. Donāt forget the carbon monoxide detector in any room where open fuel is burnt, such as wood, coal or biomass. You must ensure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work on the day of move in. Look out for any signs of hazards and get them fixed before move in day!
ā
Have you considered landlord insurance
Landlord insurance is not the same as buildings insurance ā it may be worth speaking to an insurance professional to discuss whether this would be beneficial for you. Landlord insurance can cover you for loss of rent and landlordās liability.
ā
Put together an inventory and schedule of condition
This is so important! If you do ever need to make a claim from the deposit at the end of the tenancy for damages, the deposit scheme will need proof of the condition of the property before the tenant moved in. It needs to be a clear and professional document, including photographs (timestamped if possible), showing every room with all the fixtures and fittings.
ā
Update utility companies
Make sure you provide up to date meter reading to all utility providers and pay off any outstanding payments to them for the void period. Ensure that you take meter readings on move in day (timestamped!).
ā
Give tenants a welcome pack
One of the most important things you will need to do is hand over to the tenant their move in paperwork. This includes: signed tenancy agreement, EPC, Gas safety certificate, Electrical installation condition report, Signed Deposit prescribed information, deposit terms and conditions and the most recent governmentās How to Rent Guide. You must provide this information, as failing to do so will mean that you wonāt be able to serve a valid section 21 notice to evict.
We also provide the tenant with the inventory and schedule of condition and confirm with them in writing that they have received all the paperwork mentioned above.
Donāt forget the check the smoke alarms before you leave!
ā
Make sure the tenant knows how to use the appliances
Talk your tenants through how everything works and leave instruction manuals if possible.
ā
Leave contact details
Ensure the tenant knows how to contact you to report any maintenance issues or emergencies.
ā
Should I recruit a letting agent?
Renting out your property can be time consuming, especially if you have a full time job. Letting agents can take away the stress and hassle of renting out your property for a small fee.
If you do need any help with any of the details above ā feel free to get in touch ā we would be more than happy to help š
