Landlord Guide

A guide to letting with Mapesbury

Step 1 - Accurate valuation

Thinking of letting your property? It helps to get an understanding of what the local experts think your property is worth in today’s market. You can do this by requesting a FREE market appraisal from one of our dedicated, specialist letting agents. They will be able to use their local knowledge to get an accurate understanding of what your property is worth. These valuations are free of charge, and can be arranged by contacting us via our website, by giving us a call on 0208 451 8999 or coming into our office at 84 Walm Lane, Willesden Green, London, NW2 4QY.

Step 2 - Is it a short let for you?

Before you start looking to let your property, it is a good idea to consider whether you want a short term let. A short let is ideal if you are unsure of your long-term plans and need some flexibility. A short let can apply to any size of property and it can be let for a few months depending on your needs.

Step 3 - Consider which service you require

The services we offer are as follows:

  • Finding a tenant only – we will secure a tenant for the property, collect documents, carry out financial checks and provide a tenancy agreement.
  • Finding a tenant and rent collection – in addition to securing a tenant for the property, collecting documents, carrying out financial checks and providing a tenancy agreement we will also collect the rent from the tenant on your behalf.
  • Full management – This includes securing a tenant for the property, carrying out financial checks and providing a tenancy agreement and we will collect the rent from the tenant on your behalf. We will also arrange maintenance and repairs and liaise with the tenants on your behalf.

Step 4 - Presenting your property

We will market your property with high quality photography so that your property is presented at its best to prospective tenants. Quality photographs will make your property as desirable as possible. To achieve the best results it is important to clear any clutter and ensure the property is in good decorative order. If there is any damage to the interiors of your property or any pending DIY tasks it is best to complete these to create the best first impression.

Step 5 - Preparing your property for tenancy

Before you let your property, you will need to make sure you have these, as it is mandatory to do so:

  1. EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
  2. Gas Safety Certificate (this needs to be carried out once a year). It’s important to note that this will not be required if there is no gas at the property.
  3. Electricals safety test, also known as a periodic electrical test.
  4. Fire Risk Assessment, you are responsible for having all your properties checked and ensuring that smoke alarms are fitted and working.
  5. Your property should be professionally cleaned before the tenant moves in and the inventory (check-in) needs to be complete.

Step 6 - Marketing your property

Once your photography is finished, your property advert should be ready to be launched onto the different property portals. There will also be time for you to give feedback to us if you wish to make any changes to your advert. You will also be offered extra features like ‘Premium Listing’ or ‘Featured Listing’ via Zoopla and Rightmove. This will give you more exposure and better search results. Your property may also be featured on other platforms such us the local newspaper, social media, or our office window. We will also offer you a ‘To Let’ sign for the property.

Step 7 - Receiving an offer

When you receive interest in your property, an offer will be made and one of our agents will notify you. In order to commit to this offer, the applicant will pay an ‘Intent of Tenancy’ payment (two weeks rent) and this will bind them to taking the tenancy should you accept their offer. On top of this, we will need to collect the required documentation to satisfy our referencing process. Once this has been done, an agent will notify you and proceed with the rest of the formalities of collecting the remainder of the money (security deposit, advance rent).

Step 8 - Offer agreed

Once we have received all the payments and we have given you confirmation of this, you and the tenants will then need to sign the tenancy agreement contract at our office. This will also offer you the opportunity to meet the tenants if you have not done so already.

Step 9 - Moving in

On the day of moving in, a check-in inventory will be carried out by an independent third party company. The inventory report will be in-depth and include photographs and descriptions of the entire property and any items within the property. If there is any damage in the property this will also be noted down in the report. The gas/electricity meter readings will also be recorded (photographed). The tenant will need to sign the report to confirm they are satisfied with the accuracy of it and the keys will be released.

The Agent must then provide the following to your tenant:

  1. How to Rent Guide
  2. Deposit Protection Certificate
  3. My Deposits Prescribed Information
  4. Inventory Check-In (copy)
  5. Copy of signed tenancy agreement
  6. EPC Report (Energy Performance Certificate)
  7. Gas Safety Certificate* if the property does not have Gas then this is not required.
  8. Letting Service of Documents Receipt letter

The tenants will also need to contact the utility companies and local authority to inform they are the new occupier in your property.


Mapesbury Estate Agents are always here to help. Please get in touch with our team on www.mapesburyproperty.co.uk or 0208 451 8999 if you require any further assistance.