Journey
Let out a home as a private landlord
Get a home ready to let and keep it safe and legal while tenants live there. Check gas, electrics and alarms, make sure the home is fit to live in and meets the energy rating, protect the deposit, check each tenant's right to rent, and licence the home if it is an HMO.
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Check gas safety every year
Every gas appliance and flue you provide needs a safety check at least every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
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Have the electrics inspected
The fixed electrical installation needs inspecting and testing before a tenancy starts and at least every 5 years.
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Fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
A smoke alarm on every storey with living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker.
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Keep the home fit to live in
The home must be fit for human habitation when the tenancy starts and for as long as it lasts.
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Meet the minimum energy rating
You must not let a home whose Energy Performance Certificate rating is below E unless an exemption applies.
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Protect the deposit
Put any deposit in a government-authorised scheme and give the tenant the prescribed information within 30 days.
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Check each tenant's right to rent
Before a new tenancy starts, check that every adult who will live in the home can legally rent in England.
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Licence a house in multiple occupation
A home let to five or more people forming two or more households needs a licence from the council.
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Register on the private rented sector database
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 sets up a database of private landlords and the homes they let in England.
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Check you have everything in place
The certificates, reports and registrations to have before a tenant moves in.
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