New landlord - what order for checks, contract etc?

[OnlyBejoking]

I am new to being a landlord. I have found tenants and agreed a moving in date. I know I need to do reference checks, provide a tenancy agreement and other documentation and take their deposit. I just don't have a clue what order all this should happen in.

Can anyone enlighten me or point me in the direction of a good guide, please?

Join the NRLA they have a starter pack for new landlords.

Join the NRLA for less than £100 pa. Look at doing some of their courses, start with Landlord Fundamentals. They have a helpline which will come in handy. Look at Landlordzone and its forums. You can’t afford to wing this, the penalties for missing stuff out such as protecting deposit and notifying the tenants within the legal delays are high now.

another useful resource is the Property Podcast. Their early podcasts will be useful.

I would pay someone to do it for you. It’s a nightmare to navigate without

There is so much to do that you really need professional help first time round.

At a minimum you need gas and electricity safety certificates.
You need an Energy Performance Certificate.
Legionnaires certificate.
You need to lodge any deposit in an official deposit scheme.
You need to provide tenants with information on their rights…

If the property is mortgaged you need permission from the mortgage lender.
You need Landlord insurance - buildings and legal.

If you mess up on any of the above you will find yourself on the wrong side of the law and it will be very expensive.

Get professional help

Pay a trusted professional to do the paperwork on your behalf.

Thanks everyone. I've contacted a local letting agent to see how much they would charge to help and I will also check out NRLA to compare. I think I have most of it covered but there's a lot to take in at once on top of managing the property refurbishments.

I wouldn't use a letting agent.
You are still legally responsible and it is fairly straight forward once you get your head around it and are prepared to be diligent.

PP that suggested that you need a Legionnaire's certificate is wrong. There is no such certificate. Most domestic property are at low risk, but you need to consider if your property is at higher risk (has stored water tanks).

I second the NRLA. Once you join you can get free copies of up to date docs, and free telephone legal advice. It is all set out clearly for you.
The Right to Rent check is one of the most important legal requirements.

NRLA & claim its tax deductible (its about £75)

Use a decent lettings agency, I wouldn’t recommend doing it yourself.