Between tenants: the landlord's re-let checklist and shopping list
What the law requires before a new tenant moves in, the jobs worth doing while the property is empty, and what to buy for each one.
The weeks between tenants are when most landlord work happens. Get the legal steps right first, then use the empty property to fix what's hard to do with someone living there.
Before the new tenant moves in: the legal steps
These apply to most private tenancies in England.
- Check the certificates are current. The gas safety record must be within its 12 months, the electrical report (EICR) within its date, and the EPC valid, with a rating of E or above. Our certificate reader shows every expiry date from your PDFs.
- Give the tenant copies of the gas safety record, the EICR and the EPC.
- Put the terms in writing. Since 1 May 2026, new tenancies need the key terms set out in writing before the tenancy is agreed, and they're all periodic assured tenancies now. Fixed terms and section 21 have gone.
- Do a Right to Rent check on every adult who'll live there, and keep a copy.
- Protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, and give the tenant the scheme details. Deposits are capped at five weeks' rent for most tenancies.
- Test every smoke and CO alarm on move-in day, and record it. A tenant's signature on the inventory works.
- Update the landlord register once your region's window has opened. A new tenancy, new rent or new certificate means updating the property's entry.
While it's empty: the jobs worth doing
| Job | Why now | What to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Repaint walls and ceilings | Furniture's out, and fresh paint gets viewings booked | Hard-wearing matt or eggshell in one standard colour, so touch-ups match; filler, sandpaper, decorator's caulk |
| Re-seal the bath, shower and sink | Old mastic leaks and grows mould, a common complaint | Bathroom silicone with anti-mould additive, a sealant remover, masking tape |
| Fix dripping taps and running toilets | Wasted water, and tenants report it in week one | Tap washers or cartridges, a toilet fill or flush valve |
| Check every alarm and replace old ones | Sealed alarms expire, usually after 10 years; it's a legal duty | 10-year sealed optical smoke alarms (BS EN 14604), CO alarms (BS EN 50291). See our alarm guide |
| Change or re-key the locks | Old tenants and contractors may still have keys | A euro cylinder of the right size (measure first), spare keys |
| Treat condensation and mould | Damp and mould now bring stricter scrutiny | Mould wash, stain-block primer, extractor fan if one's missing |
| Deep clean and check the inventory | It's the baseline for the next deposit return | Cleaning kit; a camera or phone for dated photos |
Shop by spec, not brand: Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q and Wickes all stock everything above.
A simple order of work
- Strip, clean and photograph the property on day one.
- Book any certificate renewals due in the next three months, while the property is empty and easy to access.
- Do the repairs, then paint last.
- Test the alarms, take the inventory photos, and hand over with the documents above.
General information, not legal advice. Rules differ for some tenancy types; check GOV.UK. LandlordsReady is independent and not part of the government.