Starting a new tenancy involves more than just finding a tenant and handing over the keys. A smooth, successful let begins with thorough preparation. Missing crucial steps can lead to compliance issues, disputes, and headaches later on.

Here’s a pre-tenancy checklist to help you set up for success, incorporating how Legalmaster fits into the process:

1. Legal Compliance Checks: * Landlord Registration (Scotland): Ensure your registration is current and provide the number when prompted by Legalmaster. * Right to Rent (England): Perform the necessary checks and keep records. * Safety Certificates: Gas Safety Record (annual), Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR – typically every 5 years), Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Have these ready to provide copies. * EPC: Ensure a valid EPC with the required rating (Min ‘E’ in Eng/Wales, check Scottish standards) is available. Legalmaster prompts for EPC confirmation.

2. Property Preparation: * Condition: Ensure the property is clean, safe, and in good repair. * Inventory & Condition Record: Use Legalmaster to create a detailed inventory before the tenant moves in. Crucially, upload photos! This is your baseline evidence.

3. Tenant Vetting: * References (previous landlord, employer). * Credit checks. * Confirm affordability.

4. Information Gathering (For the Agreement): * Use the Legalmaster “What You’ll Need” list: Tenant names, DOBs, previous addresses; Guarantor details (if applicable); property EPC rating; your Landlord Reg number (Scotland). Having this ready makes the 5-minute Legalmaster process seamless.

5. Deposit Handling: * Decide on the deposit amount (check legal limits). * Know which government-approved Deposit Protection Scheme you will use (mandatory in UK nations). Legalmaster helps ensure your agreement includes the required Prescribed Information about the scheme.

6. Create the Tenancy Agreement: * Log in to Legalmaster. * Select the correct jurisdiction (Scotland, England, etc.). * Follow the simple, guided steps, entering the gathered information. * Add any necessary custom clauses (pets, smoking, gardens) using the pre-vetted options. * Generate your instant, compliant agreement (PRT for Scotland, AST for England/Wales, etc.).

7. Pre-Tenancy Information Pack: * Provide the tenant with: * The signed Tenancy Agreement. * Valid Gas Safety Record. * Valid EPC. * EICR report. * Deposit Protection Scheme information (Prescribed Information). * How to Rent guide (England) / Tenant Information Pack (Scotland). * Copy of the Inventory and Condition Report.

By following a thorough checklist and utilising tools like Legalmaster to handle the crucial agreement generation and inventory efficiently and compliantly, you set the stage for a positive and professional landlord-tenant relationship from day one.

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