Landlord Checklist: What to Do Before Renting Out Your Property in Central London

Renting out a property in Central London can be highly rewarding, but before handing over the keys, landlords need to make sure everything is in order.

From legal compliance to property presentation, preparation is key to attracting reliable tenants and maximising income.

Here’s a step-by-step landlord checklist to follow before renting your property.

✅ 1. Ensure Legal Compliance

Landlords have several legal obligations before renting a property:

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Your property must have an EPC rating of at least E (with plans for C by 2030).

• Gas Safety Certificate: Annual gas checks are legally required if your property has gas appliances.

• Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR): Must be renewed every 5 years.

• Right to Rent Checks: You must verify tenants’ immigration status.

💡 Tip: Keep all certificates in a digital folder so they’re easy to share with tenants and your letting agent.

✅ 2. Decide on Furnishing

Consider whether to let your property:

• Furnished: Often ideal for corporate tenants, students, and young professionals.

• Unfurnished: Appeals to long-term tenants who want to bring their own furniture.

• Part-furnished: A flexible option that covers essentials (sofas, beds, wardrobes).

✅ 3. Prepare the Property

A clean, well-presented property attracts better tenants and justifies higher rent.

• Deep clean all rooms.

• Repaint walls in neutral tones.

• Fix any visible issues (leaking taps, broken handles, loose tiles).

• Consider small upgrades (new lighting, modern appliances).

📸 Professional photography is a must — listings with high-quality images get more enquiries and secure tenants faster.

✅ 4. Set the Right Rental Price

Overpricing can lead to long void periods, while underpricing reduces your returns.

Research comparable properties in your area or request a free valuation from Albus Living to set the right figure.

✅ 5. Protect the Tenant’s Deposit

Landlords must place a tenant’s deposit into a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits).

You must also provide tenants with the prescribed information within 30 days of receiving the deposit.

✅ 6. Draft a Strong Tenancy Agreement

IA clear tenancy agreement protects both landlord and tenant. It should cover:

• Rent amount and payment dates.

• Tenancy length and break clauses.

• Tenant responsibilities (repairs, pets, subletting).

• Your rights as a landlord.

Using a letting agency ensures your tenancy agreement is legally sound and compliant.

✅ 7. Arrange Landlord Insurance

Standard home insurance may not cover rental properties. Consider landlord insurance that includes:

• Building cover.

• Contents cover (if furnished).

• Rent protection (in case of arrears).

• Liability cover (for tenant injury claims).

✅ 8. Decide on Self-Management vs. Agency Management

Landlords can either:

• Self-manage: Handle everything from marketing to maintenance.

• Use a letting agent: They market the property, find tenants, manage rent, and ensure compliance.

For busy landlords — especially in Central London — agency management often saves time, reduces risk, and increases rental returns.

Tenant Placement

After your property is ready, we begin the tenant placement process. Our comprehensive screening ensures we find the best tenants for your property.

Once we identify suitable candidates, we handle all the paperwork, including lease agreements and move-in procedures.

Conclusion

Renting out your property in Central London requires careful planning and compliance with strict legal requirements.

By following this checklist, landlords can protect their investment, attract quality tenants, and enjoy a smooth letting process.

👉 At Albus Living we guide landlords through every step — from compliance and marketing to tenant management.

Contact us today for a free rental appraisal and advice tailored to your property.