First-Time Landlord Checklist: What You Need Before Letting Your Property in Tyldesley, Leigh & Wigan Borough
- Andrea Carrey
- Jun 2
- 9 min read
Thinking about letting your property for the first time? Whether your property is in Tyldesley, Leigh, Lowton, Atherton, Astley, Hindley, Golborne or the wider Wigan Borough, getting the right advice at the beginning can make the process much smoother.
At Lewis William, we support first-time landlords across the local area with practical guidance, rental valuations, tenant finding and fully managed property services, helping you understand what needs to be in place before renting out your property, from safety certificates, insurance and tenant checks to deposit protection, property management and setting the right rental price.
This guide explains the key steps to take before letting your property, so you can start your landlord journey with more confidence and fewer costly mistakes.
First-Time Landlord Checklist: Quick Overview
Before letting your property, you should make sure you have:
✓ | Checked your mortgage and lender permissions |
✓ | Arranged suitable landlord insurance |
✓ | Completed the required safety certificates |
✓ | Checked your EPC rating |
✓ | Prepared and cleaned the property |
✓ | Set the correct rental price |
✓ | Arranged tenant referencing |
✓ | Completed Right to Rent checks |
✓ | Protected the tenant deposit correctly |
✓ | Prepared the tenancy agreement |
✓ | Created a detailed inventory report |
✓ | Planned how maintenance will be handled |
✓ | Decided whether to self-manage or use a letting agent |
For many first-time landlords, having a letting agents involved from the beginning can help avoid missed steps, delays and compliance issues.
Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Landlord
Letting a property involves much more than simply finding a tenant and collecting rent. As a landlord, you are responsible for making sure the property is safe, legally compliant and properly maintained throughout the tenancy.
This includes responsibilities around gas safety, electrical safety, repairs, deposit protection, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, Right to Rent checks, tenancy documents and ongoing maintenance.
Failing to meet your legal obligations can lead to financial penalties, tenant disputes and difficulties later if you need to regain possession of the property.
This is why preparation matters. Before your property is advertised, it is important to understand what needs to be completed, what documents need to be provided and what processes need to be followed.
Check Your Mortgage Before Letting Your Property
Before putting your property on the rental market, you need to confirm that you are allowed to let it.
If your property currently has a residential mortgage, your lender may require you to obtain consent to let or switch to a buy-to-let mortgage. Letting a property without informing your lender could breach the terms of your mortgage agreement.
This is a particularly important step for accidental landlords, such as those who have inherited a property, moved in with a partner, relocated for work or decided to let rather than sell.
Before advertising your home to rent in Tyldesley, Leigh, Lowton or the surrounding areas, speak to your mortgage lender so you understand what is permitted.
Arrange Suitable Landlord Insurance
Standard home insurance is usually not suitable once tenants move into a property. Landlords should arrange appropriate landlord insurance that reflects the fact the property is being rented out.
Depending on your situation, you may want to consider:
Landlord buildings insurance
Contents insurance for furnished properties
Rent guarantee insurance
Legal expenses cover
Accidental damage cover
While not every type of cover is legally required, having the right insurance in place can protect you financially if something goes wrong during the tenancy.
Arrange the Required Landlord Safety Certificates
One of the most important parts of preparing a rental property is making sure the correct safety checks and certificates are completed before the tenancy begins.
Most landlords will need to consider:
Gas Safety Certificate
Electrical Installation Condition Report, also known as an EICR
Energy Performance Certificate, also known as an EPC
Smoke alarm checks
Carbon monoxide alarm requirements
Legionella risk assessment considerations
A valid Gas Safety Certificate is required where there are gas appliances, and gas safety checks must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Electrical safety standards also apply to private rental properties, and landlords must make sure electrical installations are safe.
An EPC is also required when marketing most rental properties, and it helps tenants understand the energy efficiency of the home.
Keeping these documents organised and up to date is essential for compliance. It also helps create a smoother move-in process for your tenant.
Prepare the Property Before Marketing
First impressions matter in the rental market. A well-presented property is more likely to attract stronger tenant interest, reduce void periods and achieve a better rental value.
Before your property is listed, check that:
The property has been professionally cleaned
Repairs have been completed
Walls, flooring and fixtures are in good condition
Appliances are working correctly
Locks, windows and doors are secure
Gardens and outdoor spaces are tidy
Heating and hot water systems are working properly
Any furnished items are clean, safe and suitable
Even small improvements can make a noticeable difference. Fresh paintwork, clean carpets, modern lighting, tidy outdoor space and well-maintained kitchens and bathrooms can all help make the property more appealing.
If you are unsure what improvements are worth making, at Lewis William can advise what tenants in areas such as Tyldesley, Leigh, Lowton and Atherton are currently looking for.
Set the Right Rental Price
Pricing your rental property correctly is one of the most important parts of a successful let.
If the rent is set too high, the property may sit empty for longer, creating a void period where you receive no rental income. If the rent is set too low, you could reduce your long-term return.
Rental value is usually influenced by:
Location
Property size
Property condition
Local tenant demand
Parking
Outdoor space
Transport links
Nearby schools
Furnishings
Energy efficiency
The quality of presentation
A rental property in Leigh town centre may attract a different rental value from a similar property in Lowton, Tyldesley, Atherton or Golborne, depending on demand, condition and location.
At Lewis William, we can provide a professional rental valuation based on local market knowledge and current demand across the areas we cover.
Find the Right Tenant
Choosing the right tenant is essential for protecting your property and creating a smooth tenancy.
Tenant referencing should normally include employment checks, income checks, credit checks, previous landlord references and Right to Rent checks.
Reliable tenants can reduce the risk of rent arrears, property damage, complaints and communication issues. For first-time landlords, this step is especially important because choosing the wrong tenant can be costly and stressful.
We can manage the referencing process, help assess applications and ensure the correct checks are completed before the tenancy begins.
Protect the Tenant Deposit Correctly
If you take a tenant deposit, it must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within the required legal timeframe.
Landlords must also provide the tenant with the correct prescribed information.
Deposit protection is not just an admin task. If a deposit is not protected correctly, landlords may face financial penalties and may have difficulty serving certain notices later.
A properly protected deposit helps safeguard both landlord and tenant and reduces the likelihood of disputes at the end of the tenancy.
Create a Clear Tenancy Agreement
A tenancy agreement sets out the terms of the tenancy and helps both parties understand their responsibilities.
It should usually cover details such as:
The rent amount
Payment dates
Deposit amount
Tenancy start date
Tenant and landlord responsibilities
Property rules
Maintenance expectations
Notice requirements
Using a properly prepared tenancy agreement is important. Downloading a generic template without understanding whether it is suitable can create problems later.
For first-time landlords, professional support can help ensure the tenancy agreement is appropriate, clear and aligned with current rental legislation.
Complete a Detailed Inventory Report
An inventory report records the condition of the property before the tenant moves in.
A good inventory should include written descriptions, photographs, meter readings, appliance details, furniture condition where relevant, keys provided and notes on the overall condition of each room.
This document is extremely important if there is a dispute at the end of the tenancy. Without a clear inventory, it can be difficult to prove whether damage happened during the tenancy or whether it was already present when the tenant moved in.
For landlords, an inventory is one of the best ways to protect your property and your position.
Plan for Ongoing Maintenance
Your responsibilities do not stop once the tenant has moved in. Landlords remain responsible for maintaining the property throughout the tenancy.
This often includes repairs relating to heating, hot water, plumbing, electrical systems, structural issues, safety concerns and general maintenance.
Responding to maintenance issues promptly helps protect the condition of your property and supports a better landlord-tenant relationship.
First-time landlords should think carefully about how repairs will be handled. Will tenants contact you directly? Do you have reliable contractors? Can you respond quickly if an urgent issue arises?
This is one reason many landlords choose a fully managed service, particularly if they are busy, live outside the area or do not want to handle day-to-day tenant communication.
Should You Self-Manage or Use a Letting Agent?
Some landlords choose to self-manage their property, while others prefer to use a professional letting agent.
Self-managing may appeal if you have time, experience and confidence with landlord legislation, compliance, tenant communication and maintenance coordination. However, for many first-time landlords, using a letting agent can provide reassurance and reduce the risk of mistakes.
A fully managed letting service can help with:
Rental valuation
Marketing the property
Tenant sourcing
Tenant referencing
Right to Rent checks
Tenancy paperwork
Deposit handling
Rent collection
Maintenance coordination
Routine inspections
Tenant communication
Compliance reminders
At Lewis William Residential Lettings, we support landlords across Tyldesley, Leigh, Lowton and the wider Wigan Borough with both tenant find and property management services.
Local Letting Advice for First-Time Landlords in Tyldesley, Leigh and Surrounding Areas
The rental market can vary significantly from one area to another. Tenant demand, rental values and property expectations are not always the same across every location.
A property in Tyldesley may appeal to commuters and families looking for access to local schools and transport routes, while a property in Leigh may attract tenants looking for convenience, town centre access or good value compared with nearby areas.
Lowton, Atherton, Golborne, Astley, Hindley and surrounding locations also have their own rental patterns and tenant demand.
Working with us means you can make decisions based on real market knowledge rather than guesswork.
First-Time Landlord Checklist Before Advertising Your Property
Before your rental property goes on the market, check that:
Your mortgage lender has approved the let
Your landlord insurance is arranged
Your safety certificates are completed
Your EPC is available
The property is clean and presentable
Repairs have been completed
The rent has been professionally valued
You understand your deposit protection responsibilities
You have a tenancy agreement ready
You have planned the inventory
You know how maintenance will be handled
You have decided whether to self-manage or use a letting agent
Good preparation at this stage can help avoid delays once a tenant is ready to move in.
Becoming a landlord for the first time does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be approached properly.
Whether you are letting a property in Tyldesley, Leigh, Lowton, Atherton, Golborne, Astley, Hindley or the wider Wigan Borough, our expert advice can help you avoid common mistakes and make more informed decisions.
If you are preparing to let your first rental property, Lewis William Residential Lettings can guide you through the process from valuation to tenant move-in.
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First-Time Landlord Checklist: FAQs
What do I need before renting out my property?
Before renting out a property, landlords should make sure the property is safe, legally compliant, properly insured and ready for tenants. This usually includes checking mortgage permissions, arranging landlord insurance, completing safety certificates, preparing the property, setting the correct rent and carrying out tenant checks.
What certificates do landlords need before letting a property?
Most landlords will need to consider a Gas Safety Certificate, Electrical Installation Condition Report, Energy Performance Certificate and relevant alarm requirements. Some properties may also require additional checks depending on the setup and circumstances.
Do I need landlord insurance?
Landlord insurance is strongly recommended. Standard home insurance is often not suitable once tenants move into the property, so landlords should arrange insurance designed for rental properties.
How do I know how much rent to charge?
Rental value depends on location, property condition, size, demand, parking, outdoor space, transport links and presentation. Lewis William can provide a professional rental valuation based on current demand in your area.
Do I need to protect a tenant’s deposit?
Yes. If you take a tenant deposit, it must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within the required legal timeframe, and the correct prescribed information must be provided to the tenant.
What checks should be carried out on tenants?
Tenant checks usually include employment verification, income checks, credit checks, previous landlord references and Right to Rent checks.
What is an inventory report?
An inventory report records the condition of the property before the tenant moves in. It usually includes written descriptions, photographs, meter readings, appliance details and information about keys provided.
Can I manage my rental property myself?
Yes, landlords can self-manage their properties. However, many first-time landlords choose to use a letting agent for support with compliance, rent collection, maintenance, inspections and tenant communication.
Is being a landlord difficult?
Being a landlord can be rewarding, but it comes with legal responsibilities and ongoing management. Good preparation and expert advice can make the process much easier, especially for first-time landlords.
Can Lewis William help first-time landlords?
Yes. Lewis William Residential Lettings supports landlords with rental valuations, tenant finding and property management across Tyldesley, Leigh, Lowton and the surrounding areas.
Need Help Letting Your First Property?
If you are preparing to let a property in Tyldesley, Leigh, Lowton, Atherton, Golborne, Astley, Hindley or the surrounding areas, speak to Lewis William Residential Lettings for clear, practical advice before your property goes on the market.
Get in touch with our team today to arrange a rental valuation or discuss your first let.
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