Yeehlow

As stated in the UK Government website landlords always have to keep their rented properties safe, make sure all gas and electrical equipment is properly installed and maintained and check whether tenants have the right to rent.

It can be challenging to stay informed about the changing regulations in the market, but we want to help you avoid all sorts of bureaucratic problems. At Yeehlow we put together a list with the seven essential documents you should always provide your tenants with. 

Extra tip: you can easily manage and keep together all these papers on our website, for free!

Tenancy agreement 

The tenancy agreement is basically the contract between you and each of your tenants. It balances rights and duties between the parts and state all the conditions you’ve agreed upon. Useful information to include are the complete names of tenant and landlord; the date the tenancy began; details about whether people are allowed to use the property (for example, in the case of subletting or overnight guests); which services will be provided and the length of notice needed if the tenancy is to be ended.

You can find some useful templates and models here.

Rent deposit paperwork

If you’ve asked your tenant to give you a deposit, it is a landlord’s responsibility to protect it through a government approved scheme within 30 days. 

Each deposit scheme will require you to give your tenant a copy of the deposit protection certificate, the deposit scheme leaflet for tenants and accurate information about how to retrieve the money.

Gas safety certificate

Landlord must provide a valid gas safety certificate for the concerned property and an updated one within 28 days of each annual gas safety check.

Energy performance certificate (EPC)

Landlords must order an EPC before renting/selling each of their properties. It contains information about the property’s energy use, the typical energy costs and recommendations about how to reduce energy use (and save money!).

Note that starting from the 1st of April, 2018 private rental properties must have an EPC rating of at least ‘E’.

Record of electrical inspections

Tenants must know that all the sockets, light fittings and supplied appliances in the property are safe and are being checked every five years. 

Evidence that smoke alarms and any carbon monoxide alarms are working

All smoke alarms and safety arrangements must be in working order at the start of the tenancy. It’s then up to tenants to check them regularly and keep them in good  conditions. 

Note that From 1st October 2015, private sector landlords must have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their property, with a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a ‘solid fuel burning appliance’ (like a coal fire or wood burning stove).

Checklist for renting

Landlord should also make sure that their tenants have access to the guide “How to rent: The checklist for renting in England” provided by the UK Government. You can find it at this link.