10 legal documents landlords need to get right

As a landlord, it's up to you to keep track of the paperwork for each property you rent out. Make sure that you supply tenants with the right documents and stay on top of record keeping – read on to remind yourself of the ten legal documents landlords need to get right.

1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

You'll need to get a new EPC every ten years to show the energy efficiency of your property and prove compliance with the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations. An EPC is a legal requirement, and rental properties must usually reach a minimum EPC rating of E. 

2. Electrical safety certificate 

Electrical installations, including the electrical system and all appliances, must be checked every five years at a minimum, in line with the government's Electrical Safety Standards. In addition, you must supply your tenant with the property's electrical safety report, and your local authority may also request a copy.

3. Gas safety certificate

The law required you to have gas appliances checked every year by a Gas Safety-registered engineer.

4. Fire safety documentation

You'll need to keep smoke and carbon monoxide alarm paperwork safe to show that the alarms are working.

5. How to rent guide

It's a legal requirement to give your tenants their own copy of the current version of the government's How to rent guide at the start of their tenancy. It's designed for private rental tenants, and you don't have to supply it if the tenant renews their contract, unless the document has been updated.

6. Deposit Protection Certificate

Don't forget to supply your tenant with your Deposit Protection Certificate. Legally, you have to use a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme to store your tenant's deposit and keep track of their paperwork.

7. Property inventories, mid-term inspections and checkouts

A full property inventory is critical to record the condition and contents of your property, room by room. Mid-term inspections and checkouts are also essential to protect your property and provide evidence in the event of a damage deposit dispute. Find out more in our blog posts What is a property inventory report? and What is a check-out report?

8. Landlord insurance

In most cases, landlord insurance is required for a buy-to-let mortgage, and will provide you with cover if there's a fire, flood, or injury claim.

9. Record of repair works

You should keep all paperwork relating to property repairs safe.

10. Right to Rent

As a landlord, it's your responsibility to ensure that tenants meet the correct immigration status to live in the UK, so you must keep copies of all the necessary documents. You can find guidance for landlords on Right to Rent here.