If you’re considering renting out your house for the first time, there are plenty of things to organise before welcoming tenants. From understanding legal requirements to decluttering your space, proper preparation can make the process much smoother. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about how to rent out your house in the UK, including self-storage tipsfor homeowners to keep your belongings safe and secure
What to consider before renting out my house
As a landlord, you need to ensure your property is safe, well-maintained, and legally compliant. Here’s what you need to plan and consider before you get started.
Decide on the Tenancy Type
Before making any preparations, it’s crucial to decide on the type of tenancy:
- Will you be renting out the entire house or just a single room?
- Are you moving out completely, or will you still be living on the property?
This decision shapes how much space you need to clear and whether you’ll need a self-storage unit for your belongings. For example, if you’re only renting out a room, you might only need to store a few items. If you’re moving out entirely, a larger storage solution may be necessary.
Organise Essential Paperwork
Renting out a property involves managing a lot of paperwork, including:
- Licensing and Permissions: Ensure you have the proper licences for renting out your property.
- Insurance Policies: Update your home insurance to include landlord coverage.
- Tenancy Agreements: Draft clear and legally binding agreements to outline terms and conditions.
- Safety Certificates: Gas, electrical, and fire safety checks are mandatory.
Preparing to rent out a property
Other than paperwork and licensing, preparing your property for tenants involves careful planning—from safety checks to clearing out your belongings to make room for new occupants. Explore our short guide to get everything organised and tenant ready.
- Declutter and Get Rid of Unwanted Items
When it comes to renting out a property for the first time, first impressions matter. Your new tenants expect clean, well-maintained spaces with plenty of room for their belongings. This means clearing out your own items—not just stashing them in cupboards or attics that tenants will need to use.
If you’re not moving personal belongings to your new home right away, self-storage for homeowners is an ideal solution. Renting a storage unit lets you clear out your property quickly and securely, allowing you to move on to the next stage of preparation. - Secure Sensitive Documents
When you’re renting out your property, it’s crucial to clear out any sensitive documents before tenants move in. Tax records, NHS letters, voting slips, and personal paperwork should be removed entirely.
To avoid last-minute panic, sort these documents well in advance and store them safely. You can also consider archiving sensitive paperwork for easy access and added security. - Carry Out Safety Checks
Safety is a top priority when renting out your house in the UK. You’re legally required to perform several checks before tenants move in:
Fire Alarms: There must be a working fire alarm on every floor of the property.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: If you have gas appliances, a carbon monoxide detector is mandatory.
Electrical and Gas Safety: Your gas supply and electrical installations need to be inspected and certified for safety.
PAT Testing: Any electrical appliances you leave behind should be PAT tested for fire safety. - Take Inventory Before Moving in Tenants
Finally, before tenants move in, it’s important to take a detailed inventory of everything you’re leaving in the property. This includes furniture, appliances, and fixtures. It’s not only crucial for insurance purposes but also for calculating the deposit amount.
Once the tenancy ends, compare the original inventory with the current state of the property. This makes it easier to identify any damage or missing items and to decide if any deposit deductions are necessary.
Final checks before handing over your house keys
With everything properly planned and organised, you can hand over the keys with confidence, knowing your property is well-prepared, legally compliant, and welcoming for new tenants.
If you’re unsure where to keep your belongings during the move, Attic offers storage for those moving house. This is a convenient way to clear out your property and keep everything safely stored until you need it.
Posted on 25th October 2022 by Shanaiqua Desa | Last updated on 6th June 2025
