A Complete Guide to Letting Your First Property
Letting your first property can feel overwhelming. From legal responsibilities to finding tenants and managing finances, there’s a lot to consider — especially if you’re new to being a landlord.
This guide breaks everything down into simple, practical steps so you can let your first property in the UK with confidence.
1. Decide If You’re Ready to Become a Landlord
Before advertising your property, ask yourself a few key questions:
Can you afford the property if it’s empty for a few months?
Are you prepared for ongoing maintenance and repairs?
Will you manage the property yourself or use a letting agent?
Do you understand your legal responsibilities as a landlord?
Being a landlord is a business, not just passive income. Planning ahead will save you stress later.
2. Understand the Legal Requirements (This Is Essential)
UK landlords must meet several legal obligations before and during a tenancy.
Right to Rent Checks
You must check that all adult tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Your property must have an EPC rating of E or above (with limited exemptions). Tenants must receive a copy.
Gas Safety Certificate
If the property has gas, an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer is mandatory.
Electrical Safety Report (EICR)
An electrical safety inspection must be carried out at least every five years.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Smoke alarms on every floor
Carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances (and increasingly expected near gas appliances)
How to Rent Guide
You must provide tenants with the government’s “How to Rent” guide at the start of the tenancy.
Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines or prevent you from regaining possession of your property.
3. Choose the Right Type of Tenancy
Most first-time landlords use an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).
Key points:
Usually lasts 6 or 12 months
Rent and terms are agreed upfront
Tenant deposits are capped at 5 weeks’ rent
Make sure you use a legally compliant tenancy agreement, ideally reviewed by a professional.
4. Prepare the Property for Tenants
Your property should be:
Clean and safe
Free from hazards
In good decorative condition
Fully compliant with safety regulations
Furnished or Unfurnished?
Unfurnished is most common in the UK
Furnished properties may attract tenants faster in city centres but cost more to maintain
At a minimum, all fixtures, fittings, and appliances must be in good working order.
5. Set the Right Rent
Research similar properties in your area using:
Rightmove
Zoopla
Local letting agents
Setting rent too high can result in long void periods, while pricing competitively often attracts better tenants more quickly.
6. Decide How to Manage the Property
Self-Managing
Pros:
No management fees
Full control
Cons:
Time-consuming
You handle emergencies, repairs, and compliance
Using a Letting Agent
Services typically include:
Tenant finding
Rent collection
Full property management
Fees vary, so always check what’s included. A good agent can be invaluable for first-time landlords.
7. Find and Reference Tenants
Good tenants are key to a successful rental experience.
Proper referencing should include:
Credit checks
Employment and income verification
Previous landlord references
Never skip referencing — it reduces the risk of rent arrears and disputes.
8. Protect the Tenant’s Deposit
Tenant deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt.
Approved schemes include:
Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
MyDeposits
Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
You must also give tenants “prescribed information” confirming where their deposit is protected.
9. Inventory and Check-In
A detailed inventory protects both you and the tenant.
It should include:
Photos
Condition of rooms, furniture, and appliances
Meter readings
Keys provided
An independent inventory clerk is often worth the cost.
10. Manage the Tenancy Properly
During the tenancy, you must:
Carry out repairs promptly
Keep the property safe and habitable
Respect tenant privacy (give at least 24 hours’ notice before inspections)
Good communication builds trust and often leads to longer tenancies.
11. Understand Tax and Finances
Rental income is taxable.
You’ll need to:
Declare rental income via Self Assessment
Pay income tax on profits
Keep records of expenses (repairs, insurance, agent fees, etc.)
Consider speaking to an accountant, especially if this is your first rental property.
12. Ending the Tenancy Correctly
If the tenancy ends:
Carry out a check-out inspection
Agree on any deposit deductions
Follow legal notice procedures if regaining possession
Incorrect notice or paperwork can delay eviction, so always ensure compliance.
Final Thoughts
Letting your first property in the UK can be rewarding — financially and personally — if done correctly. The key is preparation, understanding your legal duties, and treating it as a professional business.
If you’re unsure at any stage, getting advice from a letting agent, solicitor, or experienced landlord can save you time and money in the long run.