Health & Safety

• If you rent a property with a gas supply, it is a legal requirement for you to have a current Landlords' Gas Safety Certificate. The gas supply and appliances need to be checked for safety every 12 months whilst let. This is solely your legal responsibility.  Gas safety is the most important safety issue when letting a property. It is advisable to leave a copy of the certificate at the property.
• Most street doors are fitted with a security lock (often called 'bottom lock', 'Chubb', 'double lock' etc).  If your tenants choose to 'double lock' the door, especially at night, warn them that they should always leave the key either in the lock or near the door in an obvious place, in case of emergency.

Moving in

• When your new tenant moves in, it is best for you to inform the utility companies of your new details immediately, yourself - by telephone or in writing. Take meter readings before they move in, its quite simple, or you can arrange for the Supplier to take readings.  Do not rely on the tenant, otherwise one day you may find yourself with a large backdated bill in your name, or even worse, the services may be cut off or suspended - together with a large back-dated bill.
• Don't forget to re-direct any of your mail that goes to the property, especially mortgage or banking correspondence. It is not unusual for your lender to write to you at the property, even when it is a buy-to-let mortgage.
• You should have two Agreements, so make sure the Tenant has their copy. If one is lost or whatever, re-sign Agreements before they move in.
• Refuse needs to be left out for collection normally once a week. Let your Tenants know what day that is. Rubbish usually has to be in a 'refuse sack' or designated place for it will to be collected.