PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR NORTH EAST LANDLORDS
A clear guide from
property to tenancy.
property to tenancy.
Use this practical letting guide to prepare your property and understand each stage of the process. First, learn how to establish a realistic rental value. Then, review the steps involved in compliance, marketing, tenant selection and ongoing management.
View readiness checklist ↓
Updated for 2026
England guidance · Always check the latest official rules
INSIDE THIS LETTING GUIDE
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Good letting starts
before the property listing.
Start with the right information
Successful tenancies usually begin with realistic expectations, a well-prepared home and clear records. Work through the guide in order if you are new to letting, or use the sections to review an existing process.
Check which rules apply
Important
This guide provides general information for landlords in England. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change, so check current GOV.UK and local council guidance for your property.
THE LETTING JOURNEY
Seven stages.
One practical plan.
One practical plan.
Each stage includes the decisions and documents that help keep the letting process organised.
01 Value the property
Start by establishing a realistic monthly rent. Local demand, property type, condition and nearby comparable homes will all influence the figure. However, the highest possible asking rent is not always the best strategy. An unrealistic price may extend the void period and reduce the landlord’s overall return.
✔ Review comparable local properties
✔ Discuss likely tenant demand
✔ Consider condition and presentation
✔ Allow for voids and running costs
02 Prepare the home
Before photography or viewings begin, complete known repairs and present the property clearly. In addition, test the heating, water supply and included appliances. A clean, well maintained home is more likely to attract suitable applicants and create a positive start to the tenancy.
✔ Resolve known repairs and damp issues
✔ Remove unwanted items
✔ Test heating, water and appliances
✔ Prepare keys, manuals and meter details
03 Check legal readiness
Next, confirm which legal requirements apply to the property. These may vary according to the tenancy, property type and council area. For example, some homes require an HMO, selective or additional licence. Therefore, landlords should check both national guidance and the relevant council’s requirements.
✔ Confirm safety certificates and alarms
✔ Prepare prescribed tenancy information
✔ Check EPC and licensing requirements
✔ Arrange deposit protection where required
04 Market the property clearly
Once the property is ready, create an accurate and informative listing. Include current photographs, monthly rent, deposit, availability date and important property features. Above all, ensure that the description reflects the home honestly and includes the information applicants need to make a decision.
✔ Use bright, accurate photography
✔ Publish material property information
✔ Describe the location honestly
✔ Respond to enquiries consistently
05 Select the right tenant
After receiving applications, follow a fair and consistent selection process. Referencing can help assess identity, affordability and previous rental history. Nevertheless, decisions should consider the complete application and comply with equality legislation.
✔ Complete identity and eligibility checks
✔ Keep a clear decision record
✔ Assess affordability and references
✔ Confirm agreed tenancy terms
06 Set up the new tenancy
Before handing over the keys, complete the tenancy documentation and deposit arrangements. At the same time, record the property’s condition, meter readings and supplied keys. Once everything is signed and issued, give the tenant a clear contact route for repairs and routine questions.
✔ Provide the required written information
✔ Protect and prescribe the deposit
✔ Complete inventory and meter readings
✔ Document keys and move-in condition
07 Manage tenancy proactively
Good management continues throughout the tenancy. Respond to repairs promptly, keep accurate records and communicate respectfully with the tenant. In addition, plan ahead for inspections, document renewals and any proposed tenancy changes.
✔ Track rent and agreed payments
✔ Plan inspections with proper notice
✔ Coordinate repairs promptly
✔ Review documents and key dates
LANDLORD READINESS CHECKLIST
Be organised and
check your documentation.
Exact requirements depend on the property and tenancy. Use this as a conversation starter, then confirm what applies before a tenant moves in.
PROPERTY
✔ Condition, repairs, heating, utilities and keys
SAFETY
✔ Gas, electrical, alarms and furniture where applicable
ENERGY
✔ Current EPC and any improvement requirements
LICENSING
✔ HMO, selective or additional council schemes
TENANCY
✔ Written information, terms and contact details
DEPOSIT
✔ Protection and prescribed information
IDENTITY
✔ Required tenant eligibility checks
RECORDS
✔ Inventory, photographs, readings and certificates
RENTERS RIGHT ACT CHANGES
Keep up to date
with current regulation.
with current regulation.
What changed in May 2026?
The rules governing private tenancies in England changed significantly in May 2026. As a result, the former “How to Rent” guide is no longer current for most tenancies. Landlords should now refer to the latest GOV.UK guidance on assured periodic tenancies and the Renters’ Rights Act.
What should landlords check now?
Most landlords and letting agents were required to provide the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. However, different requirements may apply to older possession notices and particular tenancy circumstances. Therefore, landlords should check the current official guidance before issuing documents or changing a tenancy.
CHECK CURRENT RULES
→ Tenancy type and written information
→ Rent and tenancy changes
→ Pets and tenant requests
→ Property standards and enforcement
→ Required registrations or redress
HOW KANDI PROPERTY CAN HELP
Choose the support
that fits your workload.
You can manage the tenancy yourself after move in or ask Kandi Property to coordinate ongoing activity under an agreed service.
By submitting, you agree that Kandi Property may contact you about your valuation.
01
Tenant Finder
Tenant finding plus ongoing rent support, communication, inspections and maintenance coordination.
EXPLORE TENANT FINDER
02
Fully Managed
Marketing, enquiries, viewings, referencing and tenancy setup before management passes to you.
03
Portfolio Management
Consistent oversight and reporting for landlords with several North East rental properties.
RELIABLE LANDLORD SOURCES
Stay updated by
checking official sources.
checking official sources.
Bookmark the government and council pages that apply to your property, and recheck them when a tenancy changes.
National landlord guidance
Local licensing information
LETTING GUIDE
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient a property is.
LANDLORD LETTING GUIDE FAQs
Questions landlords
ask before letting.
ask before letting.
For advice about your specific tenancy or legal position, use an appropriately qualified professional.
What should a first-time landlord do first?
What information must I give a tenant in 2026?
Do I need a licence to let my property?
How should I choose a tenant?
What is the difference between Tenant Finder and Fully Managed?
Tenant Finder covers marketing and tenancy setup before handing day-to-day management to the landlord. Fully Managed adds ongoing rent administration, tenant communication, inspections and maintenance coordination under the agreed service.
How often should a rental property be inspected?
