Landlord Guide


At Elite Property we let and manage hundreds of properties every year. Our expert lettings consultants build strong relationships with each client, to fully understand their requirements so that they can provide an individually tailored service. 

If you would like to have the guarantee of the best tenant, the best rent and an efficient and professional service, then appointing Elite Property to let and manage your property is a great place tostart. This guide will take you through the process of renting your property and answer any queries you may have.

Landlord Services

At Elite Property we offer 3 types of landlord services:

1. Let Only

  • Free Valuation
  • Preparation of Letting
  • No Let No Charge
  • Full Credit and Employment Checks on Tenants
  • Preparation of Tenancy Documents
  • Collection of First Months Rent & Security Deposit
  • Accompanied Viewings
  • Free Advertising (Right Move, Zoopla, Prime Location, Social Media)
  • Free TO LET Board

2. Let & Rent

  • Free valuation
  • Preparation of Letting
  • No Let No Charge
  • Accompanied Viewings
  • Full Credit and Employment Checks on Tenants
  • Preparation of Tenancy Documents
  • Utilities Notified (upon receipt of meter readings)
  • Electrical Certificates & Gas Safety Certificates Instructed
  • Monthly Rent Collection
  • Direct Banking and Monthly/Annual Statement
  • Dedicated Accounts Team
  • Electronic Communication
  • Free Advertising (Right Move, Zoopla, Prime Location, Social Media)
  • Free TO LET Board

Other Services Available on Request (additional costs)

  • Digital Inventories
  • Building Insurance
  • Maintenance Insurance
  • Rent Guarantee

3. Fully Managed

  • Free valuation
  • Preparation of Letting Particulars
  • Full Credit and Employment Checks on Tenants
  • Preparation of Tenancy Documents
  • Organising Repairs, Gas & Electric Safety Checks
  • Digital Inventory
  • Notifying Utility Companies
  • No Let No Charge
  • Accompanied Viewings
  • Monthly Rent Collection
  • Direct Banking and Monthly Statement
  • Regular Visits to the Property
  • Exit Inspection
  • Dedicated Maintenance Team
  • Dedicated Accounts Team
  • Electronic Communication
  • Free Advertising (Right Move, Zoopla, Prime Location, Social Media)
  • Free TO LET Board

Other Services Available on Request (addition costs)

  • Building Insurance
  • Maintenance Insurance
  • Rent Guarantee

Safety Regulations

In UK Landlords and the Management Agents, are required to follow rigorously the safety regulations design to protect tenants from avoidable hazards. At Elite Property, our team are comprehensive trained and detailed knowledge of how to handle these risks, helping you to fulfil your legal obligations. In terms of safety legislation our team will assist you and provide further advice and guidance towards:

Electrical Safety

(EICR) Electrical installation condition reports are now a key part of electrical safety, Landlords have the responsibility to ensure that a tenanted property has an electrical installation that is safe to use by its tenants. The assessment can only be carried out by a qualified electrician and ensures that the property is safe and compliant.

The electrician grades each circuit according to the following criteria:

C1 (danger present)
C2 (potentially dangerous)
C3 (improvement recommended)
Code FI (further investigation required without delay)

For a property to pass the inspection the electrical installation must be considered satisfactory and this is achieved by none of the electrical circuits being graded C1, C2 or FI. If the report comes back as unsatisfactory, the landlord now has a legal obligation to complete the required remedial works within 28 days of the original report being received. They must then provide copies to the tenant(s).

The Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations 1994 require that electrical equipment, including wiring, is safe. A Portable Appliance Test (or more detailed full electrical inspection, if necessary) should be carried out regularly and all electrical testing must be conducted by a qualified and registered engineer.

Gas Safety

The Gas Safety Regulations 1998 stipulate that all gas appliances must be inspected annually by a registered engineer (Gas Safe Register). A valid Gas Safety Record must be issued each time and updated every twelve months. Non-compliance is a criminal offence with serious penalties. 

Fire and Furnishings

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1998 state that it is a criminal offence to let premises with furniture that does not comply with the safety regulations. The penalties from non-compliance are tough. Further information and advice is available from your local office. 

The Regulation covers item such as:

  • Furniture intended for private use in a residence, including children’s furniture
  • Beds, headboards and mattresses
  • Sofas, sofa-beds, futons and other convertibles
  • Nursery furniture
  • Garden furniture which is suitable for use inside
  • Scatter cushions and seat pads, pillows
  • Loose and stretch covers for furniture

However there are items exempt from the regulations such as sleeping bags, bed linen, loose covers for mattresses, pillowcases, curtains, carpets, and furniture made before 1950. 

The Housing Health & Safety System and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO & HHSRS)

Under The Housing Act 2004 there is a mandatory requirement for landlords of properties occupied by three or more people form two or more households to have a licence issued by the local authority as these are viewed as Houses in Multiple Occupation. Certain local authorities also class smaller low occupancy properties as HMO’s and you should familiarise yourself with your local authorities policy. 

The Housing Health & Safety System is the risk assessment system by which residential properties are assessed by local authorities. Certain HOM’s and other properties might be assessed under HHSRS at some point. For further advice, please contact your local Elite Property office.

Energy Performance Certificate 

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required by law from 1st October 2008, if you are letting a property to prospective tenants. An EPC is a legal requirement for any new tenancies that begin on or after 1st October and details the energy performance of a property. It is carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor to ensure it meets all legal requirements and is valid for 10 years. Elite Property ream will advise you on the details related to EPC and will be happy to arrange it for you. 

Further Recommendations

Elite Property advises Landlords to take in consideration additional precautions prior to the commencement of any new tenancy, as follows:

  • Smoke Alarms should be installed on each floor of the property and, if not mains operated, batteries should be replaced regularly
  • Carbon Monoxide Alarms should be installed next to each gas appliance and batteries should be replaced regularly
  • A fire blanket, or small fire extinguisher should be provided in the kitchen
  • Potential safety hazards should be identified, assessed and improved upon whenever possible
  • All balconies/terraces should be fitted with suitable balustrades

Consent to Let 

When letting a property, it is important that you inform any third parties who may have an interest in you doing so. These will usually include:

Your property finance provider

You must advise your property finance provider if you have a loan on the property to be ley and consent should be given in writing before the start of any tenancy.

Your freeholder

If the property is owned on a leasehold or share of freehold basis, you must check the head lease and/or management company permit lettings and ensure that the terms of any superior lease are adhered to.

Your insurance provider

Your current provider may choose not to continue to insure a tenanted property or charge the terms of cover. Even if you change provider, it is essential that you maintain full buildings insurance cover before, during and between tenancies. You will also need to maintain sufficient contents cover to protect your fixtures, fittings, furnishings and electrical items at all times.

As you would expect from Elite Property, we are able to assist you in relation to the various insurances that are available to protect your home and /or investment. Whether it be buildings insurance, contents insurance or landlords rent and legal protection, please speak to your local branch  or our customer relations department who will be happy to explain what is available to you and how such covers can provide you with valuable peace of mind in addition to that which you would expect from Elite Property.