Our Landlord Guide
With over a decade of experience successfully arranging thousands of tenancies and managing hundreds of properties, Equity Estate Agents is your trusted partner in securing the right tenants for your property.
Our landlord guide is designed to support both new and experienced landlords, offering key insights into the letting process and legal requirements.
1Key Considerations Before Letting Your Property
Landlord Insurance – Inform your insurer that you are renting out your property and ensure your policy covers everything you need.
Tax Responsibilities – Rental income may be subject to income tax. Visit www.hmrc.gov.uk for guidance.
Mortgage Lender Approval – If you have a mortgage, check with your lender to confirm that letting is permitted.
Legal & Safety Compliance Checklist
Gas & Electrical Testing – A qualified professional must check all gas pipework and electrical appliances to ensure they meet safety standards.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – Required before marketing your property. From April 2018, properties must have a minimum rating of E.
Furniture & Fire Safety – All furniture must carry the fire safety symbol. Rental properties built after June 1993 must have mains-powered smoke detectors on each floor.
Valid Gas Safety Certificate – A mandatory gas safety inspection must be completed annually. Tenants must receive a copy before moving in.
Valid Electrical Safety Certificate – A mandatory electrical safety inspection must be completed at least every 5 years.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms – A smoke alarm must be fitted on each floor. A carbon monoxide detector is required in rooms with fuel-burning appliances.
Associated Costs
Landlords should budget for:
- Letting agency fees (charged annually or monthly, depending on your service package).
- Property management fees (for services such as repairs, maintenance, and inspections).
- Legal compliance costs, including gas & electrical safety checks, EPCs, and inventories.
2Accurate Rental Valuation
A successful tenancy begins with a realistic rental valuation. Overpricing may lead to longer void periods, while under-pricing could mean lost rental income.
Our expert valuers, each with at least five years of experience, use market insights and comparable data to determine the maximum achievable rent for your property.
In line with current legislation, all rental properties are advertised with a fixed asking rent. We will not ask for, encourage, or accept offers above the advertised rent.
Book a free rental valuation today to find out your property’s true potential.
4Choosing the Right Lettings Service
We offer flexible landlord packages to suit your needs:
Let-Only – We find and reference tenants, draft contracts, and hand over management to you.
Rent Collection – We collect rent on your behalf, ensuring payments are made on time.
Full Management – A hands-off service where we handle everything, from maintenance to legal compliance.
Guaranteed Rent – We lease your property, guaranteeing fixed rental income every month, even if the tenant pays late or defaults.
4Presenting Your Property for Viewings
First impressions matter! Before marketing your property:
- Declutter and deep clean to enhance appeal.
- Complete any necessary repairs or renovations.
- Consider professional cleaning and decorating before tenant move-in.
5Key Holding Service
If you’re unable to attend viewings, we offer a secure key-holding service, allowing our consultants to conduct viewings and manage access for inspections or maintenance.
6Effective Property Marketing
We ensure maximum exposure for your property through:
- Major property portals – Rightmove, Zoopla, and PrimeLocation.
- Our high-traffic website – Showcasing professional listings.
- Local press advertising and high-street window displays in our Enfield offices.
7Accompanied Viewings & Tenant Feedback
Our experienced agents personally conduct all viewings, ensuring prospective tenants fully appreciate the features and benefits of your property.
We also:
- Gather tenant feedback after viewings.
- Keep in touch with interested parties to encourage offers.
8Handling Offers & Securing Tenants
- We help you set a realistic advertised rent and manage applications fairly and transparently in line with current legislation.
- You can meet prospective tenants before accepting an offer.
- We collect a holding deposit to confirm tenant commitment.
9Tenant Referencing & Rental Protection
To ensure only high-quality tenants, we conduct:
- Comprehensive referencing – Credit, employment, and rental history checks.
- Optional rental insurance – Protecting against rent arrears and tenant defaults.
10Deposits, Contracts & Inventories
We register deposits with the Deposit Protection Service (DPS).
- Tenancy agreements are drafted to meet legal compliance.
- A professional inventory ensures a fair resolution of deposit disputes.
Ready to let your property hassle-free? Contact us today!
Start Your Home-Buying Journey Today
At Equity Estate Agents, we are dedicated to making your property search in Enfield seamless and stress-free. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up the property ladder, or investing, our team is here to help.
Call us today to speak with an expert. Visit our offices in Enfield Town or Enfield Highway.