Being a landlord can get tough sometimes. To ease the process of letting and to ensure your property is rental ready, here is a quick checklist your can follow.
Check to see if you have permission to rent the property out.
You’ll need your lender’s permission if you have a conventional residential mortgage on the home. If you want to rent a property in Bracknell and if you are only temporarily renting out your home, your mortgage company may provide you permission to do so. If you don’t plan on returning to your property in the near future, though, you’ll need to transfer to a buy-to-let mortgage. For buying to let, you’ll need to meet the lender’s eligibility requirements and expect higher loan rates. If your home is a leasehold, you’ll also need the freeholder’s consent to rent it out.
Make an appointment for an EPC inspection.
The inspection of your energy performance certificate (EPC) should be the next item on your to-do list. EPCs are used to determine how energy efficient a property is and are an important aspect of the rental marketing process. Your property receives a letter grade ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) (least efficient). An EPC grade of at least E is required for all rental properties. Every ten years, landlords must obtain a fresh EPC certificate.
Safety Concerns With Gas
Every year, you’ll need to hire a Gas Safe-registered engineer to undertake a gas safety inspection on your home. You must act to correct any flaws that are discovered. The findings of the examinations will be detailed on the Gas Safety Certificate, which you must provide to your tenants.
Safe electrical connections
According to new electrical safety requirements, you must get an electrical examination of your home every five years. An Electrical Installation Condition Report will be sent to you (EICR). Any remedial work listed in the report must be completed within 28 days, and written confirmation from your electrician must be received. Every year, you should have any electrical items you provide PAT tested. Both the electrical inspection and the PAT testing should be performed by a trained electrician.
Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms
The provision of fire detection devices is a legal requirement for landlords. Every storey of the property should have at least one smoke alarm. In any room with solid fuel-burning equipment, you should additionally install a carbon monoxide alarm. This includes boilers that run on oil or gas, as well as gas or wood fires.
Furniture & Fire Safety
You must ensure that any upholstered furniture you provide is fire resistant under the Furniture and Furnishings Regulations Act (1988). If landlords do to observe fire safety standards, they may be fined and sentenced to prison Make sure your landlord’s insurance is up to date.
If you rent your home, a normal homeowner’s policy will not cover you. You will be required to have landlord buildings insurance by your mortgage lender. You should additionally insure any objects you provide with contents insurance. Even if you’re renting unfurnished, you’ll need some sort of protection for the drapes, carpets, and white goods.
You could also think about rent guarantee insurance, which would protect your rental income if your tenants are unable to pay their rent. Furthermore, landlord home emergency coverage gives assistance if your property’s heating, plumbing, or electrical systems break.
Effectively Market Your Property
Decorate in neutral colours, replace damaged carpets, tackle any DIY projects like mouldy sealant or dripping taps, and get the home professionally cleaned to make it seem as inviting as possible. Using a reputable local rental agent to discover tenants for you can be a wise decision. They will be familiar with the local market and can assist you in getting your property rented fast and for the best possible price. If you decide to go it alone, make sure your property is photographed well and that your advertisement is well-written.
Conduct a right-to-rent investigation
You must ensure that your tenants are over the age of 18 and are legally able to rent in England. If their permit to stay has a time limit, you must also undertake follow-up inspections. These checks will be performed for you if you employ a letting agent.
Keep a check of all this and be aware of all the latest laws, rules and regulations. Some buy-to-let landlords have undertaken a refurbishment in the last 12 months to increase the energy efficiency of their home in anticipation of new energy efficiency standards set to take effect in 2025, which say that landlords cannot rent their property without an EPC rating of C or higher. Likewise it is essential to stay updated to be able to let your property quickly and to attract the right tenants for you.