Landlords: what do I need?

[Lozzalou9191]

Hi
I’ve just bought a one bed flat to rent out unfurnished. What do I legally need to provide?E.g what appliances, curtains etc.
I think I’m going away with myself and putting too much in.
Thanks!

You don’t legally need to provide anything in terms of appliances, fittings or furnishings as long as you make this clear upfront and in the tenancy agreement. In reality, most landlords provide basic white goods (cooker, fridge freezer, washing machine, dishwasher if space) and some form of window covering like roller blinds and a curtain pole because it’s a) more attractive to tenants who don’t want to be buying and lugging their own white goods everywhere and b) prevents botch DIY jobs when tenants try to put up blinds themselves.

Actually, I partially take back the not needing to legally provide anything: when I started letting out a flat fifteen years ago I recall that I was obliged to provide a means of heating food as a minimum. That may have changed but at any rate, when it comes to cookers (especially gas) I’d want the assurance of knowing I’d provided a decent one and had it checked for safety.

Depends who you are appealing to. First time renters, professionals, couples? Most would expect white goods and blinds as a minimum but may have own furniture. Maybe you should speak to a couple of agents for advice before splashing out.

You don’t have to provide any white goods. Otherwise read this.

www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/housing-standards-rented-accommodation

Are you renting via an agent. The key thing is that you know what you legally need to do re deposit, gas safety etc etc. The agent would advise you on all of that and also what your target market would expect in terms of contents. Advisable to use an agent for the first time you find a tenant even if you then manage it yourself and find future tenants yourself.