Organise
3 valuations from local Estate Agents – log date &
times.
Make notes on the agencies and await the valuation letters.
Read agency terms and conditions.
Decide on an agency to use.
Seek permission from mortgage company – if applicable.
Seek permission from freeholder – if applicable.
Make a list of any redecoration or updating that needs to be done.
Decide on a date to start letting the property from.
Instruct letting agents.
Chase up permission required.
Organise for any works to be carried out by contractors – get quotes.
Arrange for Gas safety Report to be carried out close to the start date.
Ensure all upholstered furniture conforms to regulations.
Make a list of any furnishings that need to be replaced.
Ensure that an electrical inspection is carried out.
Arrange for any works regarding the electrics and gas to be done.
Chase up the letting agents and pay them an on the spot visit.
Ensure property is ready to be viewed.
Keep a record of any keys given out and get the agents to sign for them.
Make sure you see all the references on all the tenants.
Arrange for an inventory to be carried out.
Make sure tenants can afford two months rent as a deposit.
make sure you have the Gas Safety Certificate.
Inform all the utility companies.
Inform the telephone and cable etc companies.
Make sure you keep a reading of the meters.
Read throught the draft contract.
Check up on any clauses that you are unsure of.
Make sure the move in date is convenient to all parties.
Confirm the inventory preparations, date and time.
Arrange for the property to be professionally cleaned.
Ensure the tenants have cleared funds to pay you the rent and deposit – no cheques.
Get enough sets of keys cut – collect keys from agents.
Sign the contract and allow the inventory to take place.
Make sure you get the final bills from the utility companies.
Legal update: 16 October 2026
This historic letting checklist includes an out-of-date suggestion to obtain two months’ rent as a deposit. In England, most assured periodic tenancy deposits are now capped at five weeks’ rent, or six weeks’ rent where the annual rent is at least £50,000. Other pre-tenancy rules have also changed.
Check current permitted fees and deposit limits. Update by Simon Burrage.
