by House4Students 
With September approaching, landlords across the UK are getting ready to welcome a fresh wave of student tenants. But the difference between a smooth start and a stream of complaints often comes down to how well you’ve prepared.
Whether you’re managing a single HMO or a portfolio of student lets, now is the time to check compliance, fix issues, and present the property at its best.
1. Essential Maintenance & Compliance
Before anything else, ensure the property is legally compliant and safe:
- Gas Safety Certificate – required annually (HSE Guide)
- EICR (Electrical Safety Report) – every 5 years
- PAT Testing – recommended for portable appliances (especially if provided)
- Smoke and CO alarms – interlinked alarms are mandatory in HMOs (Gov.uk fire safety guidance)
- HMO licence – check it’s up to date and matches tenant numbers
Also inspect:
- Boilers (consider a service contract)
- Extractor fans and damp-prone areas
- Furniture wear and tear (e.g. mattresses, chairs, desks)
Tip: If your EPC is below grade C, consider insulation upgrades now — future legislation may make this compulsory.
2. Cleaning, Setup & Tenant Expectations
This is where you can stand out. A properly presented property helps:
- Prevent disputes over cleanliness
- Set the tone for how the house should be treated
- Build goodwill from day one
Include:
- Professional clean (inc. oven, fridge, carpets if needed)
- Mattress protectors and clean bins in place
- Window locks, working keys, and readable appliance instructions
Also prepare a welcome pack or folder:
- Rubbish collection days
- WiFi code
- Emergency contact numbers
- Instructions for heating, fuse box, boiler reset
If using WhatsApp groups or messaging apps, establish communication boundaries early.
3. Inventory and Handover Essentials
The tenancy agreement protects you — but only if supported by a strong inventory:
- Use a professional inventory service if possible
- Include photos of all rooms, fixtures, and any existing marks or damage
- Record meter readings at move-in
- Have tenants sign or digitally acknowledge receipt of keys, documents and inventory
- Make sure:
- Deposit is protected within 30 days (use an approved scheme like TDS or MyDeposits)
- Tenants have access to their How to Rent guide (latest version here)
Final Word
Students are more discerning than ever in 2025 — but they’re also appreciative when things are done properly. A few hours of prep now can:
- Prevent maintenance headaches
- Reduce disputes and admin
- Encourage renewals or positive word-of-mouth
Get it right before term starts, and your property will be running smoothly long after Freshers’ Week is over.
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