Free checklist · For a first or newly self-managed rental
Accidental landlord?
Start here.
If you’ve found yourself with a property to let, start with the people, paperwork and jobs below. This checklist also helps when you take management back from an agent.
Download the handover & inspection kitFree Excel file · No signup
Save your records privately in your own copy.
01 /
Start where
you are.
You don’t need to organise everything at once. First, work out what you’re taking responsibility for.
New to letting a property?
Check the mortgage lender’s permission, any lease restrictions and that your insurance covers letting. Then check the landlord requirements for your nation and council.
If a tenant already lives there, gather their existing tenancy and payment records before making changes.
Taking over from an agent?
Check your agency agreement and agree the handover date. Confirm who handles rent, repairs and tenant messages before and after it.
Ask for the records below and make sure the tenant knows the right contact route.
02 /
Six things
to bring together.
Save the documents in a private folder. Use Handover in the workbook to note where each one is and what you still need.
| Record | What to collect or check |
|---|---|
| Tenancy documents | The agreement, any changes and documents already given to the tenant. In England, note when and how each named tenant was given the Renters’ Rights Act information sheet. |
| Rent and payments | The rent amount, payment dates and latest payment record. Check any unpaid balance against the records. |
| Deposit information | Where the deposit is held, the scheme details and the information given to the tenant. Confirm any handover steps with the scheme. |
| Contacts and responsibilities | The tenant’s contact details, emergency contact route and who will deal with repairs. |
| Safety and compliance documents | The EPC, relevant safety reports, registration or licence details, and anything still needing attention. |
| Condition, keys and repairs | The check-in inventory, dated photos, key record and outstanding repair jobs. No inventory yet? Use the free inventory template. |
03 /
One property.
A simple handover.
In this fictional example, Lewis is taking over Oak flat’s day-to-day management. Here’s how the Handover sheet helps.
- 1. Name the missing pieceUnder “Item”, use Check-in inventory. Under “What to collect / check”, write Original dated photos.
- 2. Make the next step clearPut Agent under “Who to ask” and Request photo folder under “Next step”. Choose your follow-up date.
- 3. Close the loopWhen the photos arrive, note their folder under “Where kept”. Check the set is complete, then change “Status” to Done.
Then keep the everyday records going
Use the rental-records spreadsheet for rent and expenses. For your next visit, follow the inspection example and record any jobs that need attention.
What is in the download?
StartHere gives a short introduction. Handover has prompts to work through. Inspection is blank for your own visits. WorkedExample shows three ordinary observations from Oak flat. The file doesn’t store your documents or send reminders.
Does this make the property ready to let?
No. It helps you organise the handover. You still need to check the requirements for the property, tenancy and location using the official routes below.
04 /
The right rules
for your property.
Requirements differ across the UK. Start with your nation, then check local licensing with your council.
- England — landlord responsibilities
- Wales — Renting Homes guidance
- Scotland — repairs and landlord responsibilities
- Northern Ireland — advice for landlords
Start with what’s missing.
Download the kit, work through Handover and choose your next job. No need to finish it all today.
Sproutlet’s app is still in development. These resources are free to use now.