The fourth step of any property let is to make sure everything meets regulations and is compliant. There are many reasons why you need to make sure your property meets all requirements. Part 4 of our guide helps you with how your agent should help you with making sure this is done right.

Did you know that there are over 400 regulations and 145 laws to be met before a tenant can move in? A good agent will help with that. When someone declares interest in your property, checks will be done on your behalf and the agent will make sure applicants have all the relevant information and documents.

Good agents will also take ID and proof of recent residency. Carry out right to rent checks and ensure full referencing is carried out. This allows the agent and the tenant to show that they have a good previous track record when renting and that they had the means to pay the rent. This is important for you, the landlord regarding your investment but also for the tenant.

Additionally, they will carry out inventory and schedule the condition, organise the gas safety certificate, if needed and check if you have the right amount of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors fitted. They will also check the trip hazards and recommend PAT testing, electrical testing and Legionella. Crucially, they will also carry out the inventory schedule in condition, which can be a lifesaver at the end of the tenancy.

Tenants deposit can only be claimed on if there is evidence if they have broken something or if something is missing. The inventory is the only way we can prove this, remember the burden of proof is on the landlord to proof if something is missing not on the tenant.

The deposit belongs to the tenant until agreed otherwise and the law states that the deposit on an insured shorthold tenancy must be registered with an approved scheme within 30 days of it been paid. The tenant must agree to the deductions and if no agreement can be made the decision will have to be made by a third-party adjudicator.

Normally a deposit would equal to a month’s rent plus a hundred pounds or equal to around six weeks rent. Your agent should always tell you what needs doing and when along with arranging checks where necessary agreed.

Key links:

Find our offices here: www.hunters.com/about-us/offices

Book a valuation here: www.hunters.com/value-my-property

Read our full Guide to Letting Your Property here: https://www.hunters.com/landlords/guide-to-letting