How to Let Your Property: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Letting your property can provide excellent returns, but it requires proper preparation and ongoing management. This guide covers everything you need to know to let your property legally, safely, and profitably.

Property with for let sign — Letting your property can provide excellent returns with proper preparation

Step 1: Decide on Your Letting Strategy

Managed vs. Self-Managed: Full property management means an agent handles everything — finding tenants, collecting rent, arranging repairs — typically for 10-15% of rent. Self-managing saves money but requires your time and knowledge of legal requirements.

Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Furnished properties can command higher rents and attract professionals or students. Unfurnished appeals to families planning longer stays. Part-furnished (white goods only) offers a middle ground.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Standard ASTs (assured shorthold tenancies) run 6-12 months. Short-term and holiday lets can yield more but involve higher turnover and management.

Step 2: Prepare Your Property

Essential Preparation:

Deep clean throughout
Fresh, neutral decoration
Repair any damage or wear
Declutter completely (if furnishing, keep it minimal)
Service the boiler and heating system
Test all appliances

Safety Requirements (Legal):

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) — annual, by registered Gas Safe engineer
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — every 5 years
Smoke alarms on every floor
Carbon monoxide alarms where solid fuel is used (and recommended for all gas appliances)
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — minimum rating E

Consider Upgrades: Properties with modern kitchens, bathrooms, and efficient heating let faster and command higher rents. Calculate whether investment will improve your returns.

Clean, modern kitchen ready for tenants — A well-prepared property lets faster and commands higher rent

Legal Requirements

Before letting, you must have: Gas Safety Certificate (annual), EICR (5-yearly), smoke alarms on every floor, CO alarms where required, and EPC rating of E or above.

Step 3: Set the Right Rent

Research comparable properties in your area on Rightmove and Zoopla. Consider: location, property size, condition, parking, outdoor space, and local demand. Price competitively — an empty property costs you money. A good letting agent can provide a rental valuation.

Step 4: Arrange Required Certificates

Before marketing, you must have:

Gas Safety Certificate
Energy Performance Certificate (minimum E rating)
Electrical Installation Condition Report

Keep copies ready for tenants — you're legally required to provide these.

Step 5: Market Your Property

Quality Listings Include:

Professional photography
Accurate, detailed descriptions
Floor plan
Clear information on rent, deposit, bills, and availability

Marketing Channels:

Major portals (Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket)
Agent's website and social media
Local advertising

Step 6: Conduct Viewings

If self-managing, arrange viewings at convenient times. Present the property at its best — clean, tidy, well-lit, and warm. Be prepared to answer questions about the property, tenancy terms, and local area.

Step 7: Reference Your Tenants

Thorough referencing is essential. Check:

Identity and right to rent in the UK
Employment and income (2.5x annual rent minimum)
Previous landlord references
Credit history

Never skip referencing to fill a vacancy quickly — it's your protection against problem tenants.

Never Skip Referencing

Thorough referencing is your protection against problem tenants. Never skip checks to fill a vacancy quickly — the cost of a bad tenant far exceeds a few weeks' void period.

Step 8: Prepare the Tenancy

Essential Documents:

Tenancy agreement (AST)
Inventory with photographs
How to Rent guide (government document — legally required)
Deposit protection certificate
Gas Safety Certificate
EPC
EICR

Deposit Protection: You must protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days and provide the tenant with prescribed information. Schemes include DPS, MyDeposits, and TDS.

Step 9: Right to Rent Check

Before the tenancy starts, you must verify the tenant's right to rent in the UK. Check original documents (passport, visa, etc.), make copies, and record the date of the check. Keep records for the duration of the tenancy and at least one year after.

Step 10: Move-In and Beyond

At Move-In:

Conduct a thorough check-in with the inventory
Take and agree meter readings
Hand over keys, manuals, and emergency contacts
Explain heating, appliances, and waste collection

Ongoing Management:

Respond promptly to maintenance issues
Conduct periodic inspections (with proper notice)
Maintain safety certificates annually
Keep communication professional and documented

Handing over keys — A smooth handover sets the tone for the entire tenancy

Haus Estates Landlord Services

Whether you want full management or tenant-find only, Haus Estates offers transparent, competitive services. We handle compliance, marketing, referencing, and ongoing management so you don't have to. Contact us for a free rental valuation.