Get your first 90 days organised
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New Landlord First 90 Days Checklist England
This checklist applies to new landlords letting property in England. It is practical compliance operations guidance, not legal advice.
Your first 90 days are about building the operating record: safety checks, tenancy documents, deposit evidence, repair reporting, and recurring reminders. Do the basics once, then repeat them consistently for future tenancies.
Key first 90 days requirement
Set up one property record that holds certificates, tenant checks, document handover evidence, deposit records, repair notes, and renewal reminders.
Quick Answer
In the first 90 days, focus on proving what was checked, what was given to the tenant, what money was received, and what needs repeating later.
For England landlords, that usually means EPC status, gas safety where relevant, electrical safety evidence, alarm checks, Right to Rent records, written tenancy information, deposit protection, inspection notes, and repair follow-up records.
Simple Compliance Checklist
- Create a property file before marketing or move-in.
- Store EPC, gas safety, EICR, alarm check, and licence evidence where relevant.
- Complete Right to Rent checks for adult occupiers and set follow-up dates if needed.
- Prepare tenant document handover evidence and written tenancy information.
- Record deposit and rent payments, then protect any tenancy deposit within 30 days.
- Add reminders for inspections, certificate renewals, deposit actions, and maintenance follow-ups.
Evidence To Keep
- Property address, ownership or authority-to-let notes, and insurance details.
- Safety certificates, inspection reports, and alarm test notes.
- Tenant check records and document handover evidence.
- Tenancy agreement or written key terms.
- Deposit protection certificate, prescribed information, and delivery proof.
- Inventory, meter readings, key record, and move-in photos.
- Repair requests, contractor notes, invoices, and completion dates.
Common Mistakes
Starting With Rent Before Records
Rent collection is only one part of landlord operations. Build the property evidence file from day one.
Forgetting Deadlines Triggered By Payment
Deposit deadlines begin when the deposit is received, not when the tenant moves in.
Keeping Everything In Email
Inbox searches are fragile. Keep the final evidence record by property and tenancy.
Missing Follow-Up Dates
Right to Rent, safety certificates, inspections, and maintenance tasks all need dated reminders.
Where RentPilot Fits
Use first-time landlord software to keep your first property setup, document records, reminders, and evidence in one place.
Sources Reviewed
- GOV.UK renting out your property responsibilities.
- GOV.UK assured periodic tenancies guide for landlords.
- GOV.UK tenancy deposit protection.
- GOV.UK Right to Rent document checks.
FAQ
Is This Only For Accidental Landlords?
No. It is especially useful for accidental landlords, but portfolio landlords can use it to standardise onboarding for a new property.
What Should I Do First?
Create the property file, confirm safety and licence requirements, then prepare tenant checks and documents before move-in.
When Should I Review The Checklist?
Review it after move-in, after receiving a deposit, after the first inspection, and whenever a certificate or repair task is due.
Does This Replace Professional Advice?
No. Use it to organise evidence and tasks. Get professional advice for legal disputes, possession action, licensing uncertainty, or complex tenancy issues.
Next Step
Use the first tenancy setup timeline, then track your first 90 days in RentPilot first-time landlord tools.
Next steps
Landlord Compliance Hub (England)
Use the main hub to connect first 90 days tasks to wider compliance duties.
First Tenancy Setup Timeline England
Put the first 90 days into a move-in and setup sequence.
Tenant Document Handover Checklist England
Prepare the document handover and delivery evidence.
First-Time Landlord Software (England)
Use RentPilot to organise first-property setup, evidence, and reminders.
Last updated: 2026-05-30 | Last reviewed: 2026-06-01
How RentPilot helps
Track certificate expiry dates, store property documents, manage maintenance tasks, and keep notes and attachments per property to stay organised across multiple properties.
Get your first 90 days organised
Track setup tasks, documents, deposit evidence, reminders, and maintenance records by property.