Before you become a landlord, consider how much involvement you want to have with your tenant and property, day to day maintenance, monthly rent collection and other responsibilities may affect your current lifestyle in a way you do not want. If you are going to use a management company, then choose the best service level for your lifestyle.

Your property must meet the UK's legal safety standards therefore an impartial service must be employed to provide you with essential certified gas inspections. A management company should be able to provide support with ensuring their landlords and their investments are up to date with the newest regulations and protected at all times and offer additional certified inspections of your property's electrics.

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 meant that, from April 2018, private domestic (and non-domestic) landlords must ensure that properties they rent in England and Wales reach at least an EPC rating of E before granting a tenancy to new or existing tenants. If a property has an F or G-rating, then energy efficiency improvements must be carried out to bring the property up to at least an E-rating before the property is rented out, unless the landlord qualifies for an exemption and the exemption is registered on the Public Exemptions Register.

Your property is probably one, if not THE biggest asset you have, so it is worthwhile having adequate insurance in place. Landlord insurance is slightly different to normal house insurance and will ensure you are fully protected. It is also best practice to have Public Liability Insurance as well so that it covers you for any accidents your tenant may have in your property.

Keep your property as a blank canvas for prospective tenants by keeping the space clean and clutter-free. Appeal to the masses. If you are decorating your property keep it simple, don't let your personal taste put off potential tenants.

Your estate agent can handle negotiations between you and the prospective tenant. They will strive to get you the best price, however there may be other factors worthy of consideration in this decision, such as the references of the tenant and whether they have a reliable income. Be clear with your agent about the type of tenant you will be happy with, for example are pets an issue? Once negotiations have reached a positive conclusion and you are happy to accept an offer, we will work on carrying out all the checks on the prospective tenant and securing the deposit. It is important to run thorough checks on prospective tenants to ensure that your investment will be secure. This also includes 'Right to Rent' checks to establish right of occupancy by your tenants.

This document outlines the agreed responsibilities of both parties. It is important that both tenants and landlords take the time to read this carefully before signing.

An inventory report is a detailed report agreed and signed by both parties itemising the contents and condition of the property at the time of the tenant moving in. The inventory report is carried out by an independent Inventory Clerk and provides a comprehensive report list designed to minimise the risk of any dispute over the deposit at the end of the tenancy.

Once the deposit has been paid in full, the tenant has secured the property. This deposit is held against possible damage to the property which can be checked against the inventory at the end of the tenancy. The Housing Act 2004 protects all parties in this regard as the deposit is required to be held within a government-approved scheme on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This scheme offers quicker and easier ways of resolving disputes, without the need for court action. In order to keep checks on the property to ensure it is being well looked after, you will need to agree a number of visit dates with your tenant, usually 3 - 4 times a year. Of course, if anything breaks down or needs repairing then you may be required to visit the property more often. Small gestures will go a long way in building good relationships with your tenants like leaving out instructions to appliances.

In order to keep checks on the property to ensure it is being well looked after, you will need to agree a number of visit dates with your tenant, usually 3 - 4 times a year. Of course, if anything breaks down or needs repairing then you may be required to visit the property more often. Small gestures will go a long way in building good relationships with your tenants like leaving out instructions to appliances.

Teignbridge District Council (TDC) can offer grants/loans to assist landlords in complying with this legislation, subject to qualification. For further information, please contact TDC Housing on 01626 215202.

As standard, Sample Mills will accompany the prospective tenants on all viewings on your behalf however if you choose to host the viewing yourself remember to highlight all the good points that aren't immediately obvious, such as friendly neighbours and in-built storage.

At Sample Mills we use strict referencing procedures carried out by independent experts which can give us a comprehensive understanding of their personal and financial circumstances, including a check on their employment history, credit worthiness and previous addresses. This also includes 'Right to Rent' checks to establish right of occupancy by your tenants.

Sample Mills are members of the Deposit Protection Service, and all security deposits are sent away and held in accordance with Financial Conduct Authority client money regulations. For further information please refer to www.depositprotection.com

Once the tenancy period has nearly come to an end, your tenant will need to decide whether to extend their stay or move out (remembering to give two months' notice in writing).