Guides for Tenants & Landlords

Welcome to Laminghope’s Guides. Whether you’re looking to rent or to let, these pages will help you understand what to expect, your rights and responsibilities, and how to make the experience smooth. If you have questions, please contact us. We’re here to help.

Tenant Guide

1. Before You Rent

  • Set your budget: Calculate how much you can afford, including rent, utilities, council tax, insurance, and any moving costs.
  • Choose your area carefully: Consider proximity to work, transport links, local amenities, schools (if relevant), safety, etc.
  • Register your search: Let local agents know your requirements (area, rent range, property type) so they can match suitable listings to you.

2. Application & Referencing

  • Required checks: Most landlords/agents will check credit history, employment / income, previous landlord references, and identity.
  • Documents you’ll need: Payslips, bank statements, proof of ID, references.
  • Be transparent: If you know there might be a concern (e.g. a past credit issue), being upfront can help your application.

3. Signing the Tenancy & Moving In

  • Tenancy agreement: Read it carefully — be clear on terms (rent, duration, break clauses, responsibilities).
  • Deposit protection: The deposit must normally be placed in a government‑approved scheme.
  • Inventory / condition report: This documents the state of the property when you move in — critical for deposit return later.
  • Set up utilities / council tax / insurance: Ensure the accounts are in place.

4. During the Tenancy

  • Repairs & maintenance: Understand which repairs are your responsibility vs the landlord’s. Report issues promptly.
  • Communication: Keep clear records (email / written) of any problems and interactions.
  • Inspections & access: Landlords or agents may visit (after giving notice) to carry out inspections or maintenance.
  • Rent & renewals: Pay rent on time; when lease comes up for renewal, discuss early if you wish to stay or leave.

5. Ending the Tenancy

  • Notice periods: Check the contract for required notice you must give (and landlord must give you).
  • Check‑out & deposit return: You’ll usually go through a check‑out process; if disputes arise, the inventory and condition report will help.
  • References / moving on: Ask your landlord or agent to provide references for future tenancies, if all goes well.

Landlord Guide

1. Getting Started

  • Is letting right for you?: Consider your goals, risks, and whether you want to manage it yourself or use an agent.
  • Market knowledge: Study local rents, demand, types of properties in demand.
  • Financing & mortgage: If you need a buy‑to‑let mortgage, understand required deposit, interest rates, and taxation implications.

2. Preparing the Property

  • Legal & safety requirements:
      • Gas safety certificate (annual)
      • Electrical safety checks / EICR
      • Smoke alarms & carbon monoxide detectors
      • EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
      • Legionella risk assessment (where applicable)
      • Right to Rent checks
  • Repairs, cleaning, presentation: Make sure the property is clean, safe, in good repair, and presented well.
  • Furnishing: Decide if it’s furnished, unfurnished or partly furnished and what is included.

3. Letting & Tenant Selection

  • Valuation & setting rent: Use comparable local lets to set a competitive rent.
  • Advertising & viewings: Write clear and transparent adverts, show the property (virtually and/or in person).
  • Referencing & checks: Use a reputable referencing process. Check credit, income, previous landlord references.
  • Decide agent vs self‑management: Agents can help with marketing, tenant management, legal compliance, rent collection, maintenance.

4. During the Tenancy

  • Maintenance & repairs: Promptly handle repairs that are landlord’s responsibility. Keep records.
  • Legal compliance: Maintain all required safety certificates, protect deposit, follow rules on notice, harassment, eviction, etc.
  • Rent collection & arrears: Be clear about rent due dates, enforce late payment clauses, act early on arrears.
  • Inspections & communication: Carry out periodic inspections (with proper notice) and keep open communication with tenant.

5. Ending or Renewing the Tenancy

  • Notice & process: Serve correct legal notices; follow procedure for evictions or renewals.
  • Check‑out & deposit disputes: Use the inventory / condition report to compare, negotiate deductions if necessary.
  • Reletting & turnover: Plan for void periods, repairs between tenancies, marketing of the property again.

6. Additional Considerations

  • Tax & accounting: Understand rental income tax, allowable deductions (repairs, agent fees, etc.), and how to declare to HMRC.
  • Insurance: Consider landlord insurance (buildings, contents, loss of rent).
  • Staying informed: Keep up to date with changes in legislation, landlord/tenant law, market trends in your area.