Preparing a property to let

UK The advice on this site is written for the United Kingdom, mainly England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in, starting with GOV.UK.

US Tenant and landlord law varies by state, and sometimes by city. For federal housing information see HUD’s tenant rights page, then check your state attorney general or housing department for the local rules.

Australia Tenancy law varies by state and territory. Start with the official body where you live: NSW Fair Trading (NSW Government renting guidance), Consumer Affairs Victoria, Queensland’s Residential Tenancies Authority, Consumer and Business Services South Australia, or Consumer Protection Western Australia. Other territories have their own tenancy authorities.

Canada Tenancy law varies by province and territory. Start with the official guidance where you live: Renting in Ontario: your rights, British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Branch, Québec’s Tribunal administratif du logement, or Alberta’s information for landlords and tenants. For a national overview see CMHC’s landlord and tenant responsibilities. Other provinces and territories have their own tenancy authorities.

New Zealand Tenancy rules are set nationally. Start with official Tenancy Services guidance for tenants and landlords.

Ireland Start with the official Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Citizens Information also explains renting in Ireland in plain English.

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Before a new tenant moves in, the home has to be safe, legally documented, and honestly inventoried. This page is a practical checklist for private landlords in England, with official links for the certificates you usually need.

Your call

Go or no?

If it is a small, safe job that is yours to do, give it a go. We’ll point you to a beginner guide and a short shopping list. If you’d rather not, or the work needs a trade, say no and we’ll help you find someone local. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first.

Right then. Here’s a sensible starter kit, and links to the relevant guides.

No problem. We’ll show you how to find a local tradesperson.

This is about England

Most of what follows is written for private renting in England. It is general information, not legal advice, and it is not a ruling on your tenancy. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in. The country notes at the top of this page point to official starting points elsewhere too.

Safety and certificates first

Plan these before you advertise a move-in date: a current gas safety check if there is gas, a current electrical installation condition report, working smoke alarms on each storey of living accommodation, and carbon monoxide alarms where they are required. An Energy Performance Certificate is also required in the usual cases, and you should not let a property at an unlawful efficiency band unless a valid exemption is in place. Our gas and electrical safety checks page has the official links.

Give tenants the official How to rent guide, the current certificates, and any deposit-protection prescribed information. Since 1 May 2026 you also need to follow the Renters’ Rights Act rules on the form of the tenancy and the official information sheet — see The new renting rules in plain English.

A snagging list that is more than cosmetic

Walk every room, the outside, and the heating. Test taps, drains, sockets (without taking on electrical work you are not qualified to do), windows, locks and extractors. Put right anything that is a repair duty or a hazard, not just what photographs well. Keep air bricks clear, and do not start a tenancy with a known leak or a dangerous stair.

Inventory and keys

A dated, photographed inventory, a sensible set of keys, and a clear way to report repairs will save trouble later. Meter readings, bin days and the location of the stopcock are small things tenants actually need.

Licensing

Some properties need an HMO licence, or a selective or additional licence, depending on the council. Check before you let. Official local-authority guidance is the right source, not a forum post about a different town.

Official guidance

These official and specialist pages are the best place to confirm the rules for your situation. We have used them as the starting point for this article.

GOV.UK: Private renting — the official hub for landlords and tenants in England
GOV.UK: How to rent — the official checklist to give tenants
GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act overview for landlords — the form of tenancy and information you must give
GOV.UK: Electrical safety standards — guide for landlords — EICR duties
GOV.UK: Renting out a property (landlords) — a broader official checklist, including energy performance

FAQ

Can the tenant move in if the EICR is booked for next month?

Plan the report before move-in if you can. If a report is unsatisfactory, official guidance sets a short period to complete remedial work. Do not start a tenancy with a known, unfixed electrical hazard.

Do I need a professional inventory?

It is not always a legal requirement, but a thorough, dated inventory (often done by an independent clerk) is one of the best protections for both sides. If you do it yourself, photograph everything.

The property is in Wales or Scotland.

The certificate and tenancy rules are different. Use the official guidance for that nation.

DIY guide and shopping list

For small, safe jobs that are yours to do, these beginner guides will walk you through it. Do not use them for gas work, the electrical installation, or a leak that is the landlord’s to fix.

Useful starting points: Unblock a sink, Fill cracks in walls, Reseal a bath, and Hang a curtain pole.

Prices below are typical UK ranges, shown so the page can convert them for your country. Always check the live product page before you buy.

Item	Why you need it	Typical UK price
Plunger or sink unblocking tool	Clears a simple blockage you have caused.	Typically £5–£12
Ready-mixed filler and a filling knife	Fills picture-hook holes and small dents.	Typically £5–£10
Sandpaper or a sanding block	Smooths dried filler so a touch-up will sit flat.	Typically £4–£8
Kitchen-and-bathroom silicone	For a failing bead you are allowed to renew, if the agreement says you can.	Typically £6–£12

Shop this list:

Would rather not DIY? Find a local tradesperson

If the job is yours but you would rather not do it, a local handyman or plumber can often deal with a small fix. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first — they may already have someone they use.

We may earn from shop links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure

General guidance only. Check our disclaimer.