Whether you are an experienced landlord or letting a property for the first time, this checklist covers every task you need to complete before handing over keys to new tenants.
Legal Certificates
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) — valid and issued within the last 12 months. Provide a copy to the tenant before move-in. Book a CP12
- EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) — valid and issued within the last 5 years. Provide a copy to the tenant. Book an EICR
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — minimum E rating, valid (up to 10 years). Provide to the tenant before signing. EPC guide
- HMO Licence — if applicable, ensure it is current and the property meets all licence conditions.
- Selective Licence — check if your local council requires a licence for standard buy-to-let properties.
Safety
- Smoke alarms — working alarm on every floor. Test before tenant moves in.
- Carbon monoxide detector — fitted in every room with a combustion appliance (boiler, gas fire, log burner).
- Fire doors — required in HMOs. Check self-closing mechanisms are working.
- Furniture fire safety — all upholstered furniture must meet fire resistance regulations.
- Boiler and heating — serviced and working. Pressure and thermostat checked.
- Stairs and banisters — secure and safe.
Property Condition
- End of tenancy deep clean completed throughout including oven, bathrooms and windows. Book a clean
- Carpets professionally steam cleaned. Book carpet cleaning
- Walls — touched up or repainted where marked or scuffed. Painting service
- Kitchen — all appliances working. Cupboard doors, hinges and handles intact. Kitchen refurbishment
- Bathroom — tiles grouted, sealant fresh, no leaks. Bathroom refurbishment
- Flooring — no trips, tears or significant damage. New flooring
- Garden — tidy and maintained. Garden landscaping
- Pest checks — no evidence of rodents or insect infestations. Pest control
- Damp and mould — all damp treated and mould removed. Plastering and remedial works
Admin and Legal
- Right to Rent checks completed for all adult occupants.
- Tenancy agreement signed by all parties.
- Deposit protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. Prescribed information provided.
- How to Rent guide provided to tenant (required for ASTs in England).
- All certificates provided to tenant: CP12, EICR, EPC.
- Inventory completed and signed by tenant at check-in.
- Meter readings taken at start of tenancy and noted in inventory.
- Keys provided — all copies accounted for and handed over.
- Landlord insurance — policy active and covers new tenancy.
Need Help Getting Your Property Ready?
Rent Ready London handles everything on this list for landlords across East London and Essex. From legal certificates to full refurbishments, our team coordinates all trades so you only need one call.
Our Care Plan also keeps your property compliant throughout the tenancy, covering annual gas safety certificates, priority repairs and regular inspections from £119 per month.
Call 07354 357 678 or get a free quote today.