Legal Compliance

These are mandatory requirements. Do not market or let the property until all applicable items are in place.

• Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) — obtained from a Gas Safe registered engineer, copy ready to serve to tenant
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — obtained from a qualified electrician, copy ready to serve
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — valid, minimum E rating (or valid exemption registered), copy ready to serve
• Smoke alarms — installed on every floor, tested and working
• CO alarm — installed in any room with a solid fuel appliance
• Legionella risk assessment — completed and documented
• HMO licence — obtained if property meets the HMO threshold
• Selective licence — obtained if required by the local authority
• Planning permission — confirmed for any change of use (e.g. HMO, Article 4 area)

Property Condition

• All rooms freshly decorated or in good, clean condition
• Carpets and flooring clean, in good repair, no trip hazards
• All windows clean, opening and closing correctly, locks working
• All doors opening and closing correctly, locks and handles working
• Kitchen appliances clean and in working order
• Bathroom clean, seals intact, no mould, extractor fan working
• Heating system tested and working throughout
• Hot water working and reaching adequate temperature
• Garden tidy, paths clear, no overgrown vegetation
• Gutters and drains clear
• No signs of damp, mould or structural issues

Safety Checks

• No trip hazards on stairs, landings or in communal areas
• Adequate lighting throughout, including externally
• External doors and windows secure and lockable
• No exposed wiring or visible electrical hazards
• Boiler pressure correct, no leaks, pressure relief valve accessible
• Smoke alarms tested in working order
• CO alarm tested in working order (where required)
• Fire escape routes clear and unobstructed

Practical Readiness

• Inventory prepared and photographs taken (dated)
• Meter readings recorded (gas, electricity, water)
• Keys cut and labelled — sufficient sets for all tenants plus one spare
• Instruction manuals for all appliances available
• Emergency contacts sheet prepared
• Tenant welcome pack prepared
• All tenancy documents prepared and ready to serve

Related Resources

• Move-In Checklist — complete on the day keys are handed over
• New Tenancy Timeline — manage the full process from referencing to move-in
• Compliance Tracker — track certificate renewal dates
• Tenant Welcome Pack — professional welcome document for new tenants