What exactly do i need to be in place before trying to rent a property out?

[Deleted User]

What exactly would I have to do to turn my home into a rental?
Do I need to tell my mortgage provider, I am assuming I would need different home insurance?
Is there anything else I need in place (apart from renters) before i can rent it out?

Pixie5740

Yes you'll need to tell your mortgage lender who may or may not grant consent to let.

You'll need landlord's insurance too.

Energy performance certificate (totally pointless document but legally you need one).

Any gas appliances? If so a gas safety certificate is required.

Any furniture you leave such as sofas have to meet fire safety regulations.

Tenant's deposit must be protected by law so look into the different schemes.

Will you be letting the property to a family, a couple or a number of unrelated people? You should check with council in case you need an HMO license.

[Deleted User]

Wow that's a big list, the property would be unfurnished apart from gas cooker. Already have the EPC, CH system always checked by British Gas.

hazyjo

Deleted_User wrote: »

Wow that's a big list, the property would be unfurnished apart from gas cooker. Already have the EPC, CH system always checked by British Gas.

That's different to a 'gas safety certificate'. A 'service' is not compulsory (to my knowledge).

Also, you ask (not tell) your mortgage bods. As above, they may say no. If they do say yes, chances are you'll pay a fee, or be forced to switched to a buy to let mortgage (if long term especially). Higher mortgage rates, etc.

If you're in a flat/leasehold, you'll need freeholder's permission too.

Jx

AFK_Matrix

A Gas safety certificate is in addition to having the CH system checked by British Gas. It should cost around the £60 mark to get a gas safety certficate. GM has a really good thread about becoming a Landlord and I am sure he or someone else can link you to it.

LEJC

Deleted_User wrote: »

Wow that's a big list, the property would be unfurnished apart from gas cooker. Already have the EPC, CH system always checked by British Gas.

as the property has at least one gas appliance you will need a gas safety certificate...this is a seperate document and is not an annual service on the boiler or "as checked by British Gas"


It can be arranged through any gas registered person so british gas can supply one ...they will need to check all appliances,boiler and other conditions such as the gas inlet to the property.
A gas certificate will cost you in the region of £60 and will need to be redone at similar cost on an annual basis.

Pixie5740

Then getting the gas safety certificate shouldn't be much of problem but you do need to have the actual certificate a copy of which should be made available to the tenant.

How are you going to manage the property? Yourself or through an agency?

An independent inventory taken just before the tenancy starts is also a good idea.

Blackpool_Saver

If you think that small list is big, I don't think you are cut out to be a landlord, that is only the start of your duties and responsibilities

[Deleted User]

It needs to be rented if our potential sale falls through so I will have no choice tbh. Would probably go through a agency to have them look after it and it would be long term or at least a few years until we would try and sell again?

Pixie5740

Just remember that using an agent won't absolve you of your responsibilities. The buck still stops with you regarding things like gas safety certificates and deposit protection.

[Deleted User]

The gas certificate is fine I can get someone to do that no problem, there are plenty of Corgi approved people around. Did not know about the deposit thing though, will look into that thanks.