How to turn a home into a rental property in 7 steps

So, you’re asking yourself, how do I turn my house into a rental property? You’re able to do this either through a buy-to-let mortgage or because you’ve paid for your house in full and now want to know how to turn your home into a rental property and start earning a rental income.

Thankfully, this blog has you covered. We’re going to take a deep dive into everything you need to know about your responsibilities when it comes to getting your house ready to rent, including the common pitfalls landlords face before welcoming new tenants.

So, read on for our top tips and expert advice in regard to your landlord obligations. And don’t forget to check out our blog: Considerations before becoming a landlord in the UK for more information.

How to turn a home into a rental property

Before you’re able to supplement your income by renting out your property, there are a few key considerations you need to take into account – both physically and financially. Read on for the top 7 steps to take to turn your home into a rental property.

Checklist for renting out a property for the first time (UK)

Step 1: Check whether you need a licence

Usually, you’ll need either a selective or additional licence before you can rent out your property. Check with your local authority before you make any changes to your property and be sure to purchase the right rental license.

Step 2: Get your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

To rent your property, you need to have an EPC rating of A-E to meet minimum energy standards (MEES). Otherwise, it’s illegal to rent out your house. The certificates last 10 years and also teach you ways to save money on your bills. Your tenants will also need a copy of this certificate before they move in.

Our EPC cost guide had everything you need to know about getting this certificate.

Step 3: Undertake fire and electrical checks

Making sure your home is safe and complies with the following regulations is paramount.

• Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations
• Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations

For the latter, you’ll need to hire a registered professional to carry out your electrical safety checks every 5-years. They’ll be able to give you an EICR report that assures your tenants and insurers that you’re compliant and meeting your landlord obligations.

Check out our guide: How much does an electrical safety check cost in 2021? for more information.

Step 4: Undertake a gas safety check

As a responsible landlord, you’re legally required to carry out a gas safety check once a year. They require you to hire a registered Gas Safe engineer, who will supply you with a certificate that you need to give to your tenants once they move in.

Read our blog: Gas safety for tenants: What you need to know for more information.

Step 5: Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

Another legal requirement to fulfil your landlord obligations is to have a smoke alarm on every floor of your house. You’ll also need to install a carbon monoxide detector in rooms that have ‘solid fuel-burning appliances.’ For example, a kitchen with a wood-burning stove.

Here’s the cost of carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.

Step 6: Take out landlord insurance

If you’ve gone down the buy-to-let route, taking out insurance is advised. Accidents happen, which is why purchasing cover that protects your home from damage costs is prudent.

Top tip: Taking out specialised landlord insurance offers comprehensive cover that adequately protects your assets.

Read our Buy to let guide for landlords for more information.

Step 7: Clean up your property

The last thing you need to do before welcoming tenants is to make sure your property is clean, tidy, mould and infestation free. Be sure to get a pre-tenancy clean carried out before moving anyone in.

Once these steps are completed, congratulations! Your property is ready to rent out! Now all you need to do is screen potential tenants, write up a tenancy agreement, put their deposit in a protection scheme, give them a ‘How to rent guide‘ and consider carrying out a rental inventory upon check-in and check-out.

FAQs

How much can I rent my house for without paying tax?

You’re able to rent out your property for £1k per month tax-free. This is called a ‘property allowance.’ Anything after that requires you to fill out a self-assessment form and pay the appropriate tax rate on the income you earn.

Can I turn my current home into an investment property?

If you’re able to afford to retain ownership of one property while moving into another, turning your current home into an investment property is worth it. You’ll just need to check you’re allowed before you make the change. Your insurance and any current mortgage will be affected.

Can you rent out your house if you have a mortgage?

You will only be able to rent out your house with the written approval of your mortgage supplier. In this case, a ‘consent for lease’ needs to be agreed upon.

Can you let a property without a gas safety certificate?

Absolutely not. You will need to hire a gas safe engineer to carry out checks once every year. Failure to do so is an illegal offence.

Is an EICR a legal requirement for landlords?

Since 1st July 2020, EICRs are a legal requirement for all new tenancies and fixed-term renewals. They’re a part of the Electrical Safety Standards for the private rental sector in the UK.

We hope you found this helpful. If you want any further advice, be sure to check out our blog, which has more how-tos, cost guides and expert advice waiting for you.