How to Let Your Property in the Midlands — A Straight-Talking Landlord’s Guide

Letting out a property shouldn’t be a headache. But if you’re new to it — or even if you’ve done it before — the mix of legal bits, paperwork, and “tenant roulette” can quickly become overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, in plain English, with no fluff.

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Step 1: Know Your Legal Responsibilities

Before you even stick a “To Let” sign in the ground, make sure your property is legally fit to rent. That means:

• A valid EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) — rated E or above.
• A Gas Safety Certificate, if there’s a gas supply (renewed yearly).
• Smoke alarms on every floor, and carbon monoxide alarms where needed.
• Safe electrics — ideally with a recent EICR report (now required for new tenancies).
• Deposit protection in a government-approved scheme.

🛠️ Tip: Most landlords get tripped up here. If you skip this step, you risk fines or being unable to evict a tenant later.

Step 2: Set the Right Rent

Pricing your property isn’t about guesswork or what the bloke next door is charging. You need to:

• Look at recent lets in your street or postcode.
• Consider what your property actually offers — parking, garden, appliances, etc.
• Think about your target market — young professionals, families, students?

Local Letting Expert offers free rental valuations if you want a second opinion.

Step 3: Decide How Involved You Want to Be

Are you the DIY type who likes to be hands-on, or would you rather hand over the keys and let someone else deal with it?

• Tenant Find Only: We’ll advertise, vet, and sign up a tenant — then you manage it.
• Fully Managed: We handle everything — rent collection, maintenance, inspections, legal compliance, and tenant contact.

🤝 Reality check: Most landlords start with DIY and switch to managed once they get a late-night boiler call.

Step 4: Market It Properly (Not Just on Facebook)

This is where a lot of private landlords fall flat. Grainy phone photos and a one-liner on Facebook Marketplace just won’t cut it.

A strong listing should include:

• Professional photos (good lighting, wide-angle lens)
• An honest, appealing description
• Floorplan (tenants really do care)
• Listings on the big portals like Rightmove and Zoopla

We can also match your property with pre-registered tenants, cutting down void periods.

Step 5: Vet Your Tenants (Properly)

This isn’t personal — it’s business. Always run:

• Credit checks
• Employment and previous landlord references
• Right to Rent checks (a legal requirement)

🚫 Gut feeling isn’t enough — always back it up with paperwork.

Step 6: Sign the Tenancy the Right Way

You’ll need to provide:

• A legally compliant AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement)
• A full inventory (with photos and timestamps)
• The ‘How to Rent’ guide (most up-to-date version)
• Proof the deposit is protected and the prescribed information has been sent

📑 Miss something here, and you could lose your right to evict — even for non-payment.

Step 7: Manage the Property (or Let Us)

Once the tenant moves in, the real work begins:

• Rent collection (and chasing late payments)
• Maintenance and emergency repairs
• Legal updates and compliance
• Routine inspections

If you’re time-poor or live out of the area, our full management service means you can let it and forget it — we’ll handle everything.

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Final Thoughts

Letting a property isn’t truly passive income — not unless you’ve got the right support in place. At Local Letting Expert, we specialise in stress-free, fully compliant lettings that work for landlords across Tamworth and the Midlands.

Whether you’re dipping your toe into property for the first time or you’re juggling a portfolio, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with our team today →