🧾 The Landlord’s Mid-Year Property Checklist: What You Need to Sort Before Summer’s Over
Half the year is gone — how’s your rental holding up?
Whether you’re managing one property or a full portfolio, July is the time to take stock.
With the summer lull and fewer tenant issues, now’s your golden window to catch up, fix problems, and stay legally protected.
Because here’s the truth: a missed check or forgotten certificate today could lead to stress, fines, or void periods later. So before you hit holiday mode — make sure your property’s in order.
🔧 1. Gas Safety Certificate – Up to Date and Accessible?
It’s a legal requirement to renew your Gas Safety Certificate every 12 months — and you must give your tenant a copy within 28 days. If it’s expired (or close), don’t delay. Booking in July gives you time to act before contractor diaries fill up in September.
✅ Pro tip: Keep a calendar reminder 30 days before it’s due each year.
💡 2. Electrical Safety (EICR) – Still Compliant?
The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is mandatory for all rented properties in England and must be renewed every 5 years. If yours is due — or if you’re not 100% sure when it was last done — get it checked.
⚠️ Fines for non-compliance can hit up to £30,000. And if you plan to sell or remortgage, a clean EICR helps smooth the process.
🔐 3. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms – Tested Recently?
Summer is a good time to test and replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Don’t leave it to tenants — it’s your legal responsibility to ensure they're working at the start of each tenancy and in full working order throughout.
🛠️ Consider scheduling a mini maintenance visit now.
📈 4. Rent Review – Is Your Property Still Valued Right?
With interest rates and inflation affecting the market, it might be time to review your rent.
Ask yourself:
- Is it in line with current market value?
- Has the cost of maintenance, insurance or management increased?
- Has your tenant been long-term and reliable?
⚖️ A small adjustment could protect your yield — and a letting agent can help you strike the right balance.
🧽 5. Garden & Exterior Upkeep – First Impressions Matter
If your tenancy agreement includes garden maintenance, July is the time to check for overgrown hedges, damaged fencing, or dangerous paving.
🌿 Not only does this protect your investment — it helps keep neighbours happy and future inspections smooth.
📑 6. Deposit Protection – Have You Met All the Rules?
This one should be a no-brainer, but it’s worth reviewing:
- Is the deposit protected in an authorised scheme?
- Did you serve the prescribed information on time?
- Is all the paperwork stored safely?
🔍 A compliance check now can save a legal headache later — especially if a tenancy is due to end this autumn.
🗂️ 7. Tenancy Agreement & Contact Details – Still Current?
It’s easy to forget the basics.
- Is the tenancy still on a rolling basis or due for renewal?
- Have the tenant’s contact details changed?
- Is your emergency number up to date in the property info folder?
📘 Keeping everything current protects both sides — and shows professionalism.
📌 Final Word: Mid-Year is Make-or-Break for Landlords
It’s July. You’ve got time now that you won’t have in October.
Use it wisely and you’ll avoid last-minute scrambles, tenant complaints, or worse — legal issues.
At Nicholson’s, we help landlords stay one step ahead. Whether you manage things yourself or need a trusted local agent to take the pressure off, we’re here to support you.
Need a free rental health check or expert advice on compliance, rent reviews or management?
📍 Let’s have a quick, no-pressure chat.
📞 Contact the Nicholson’s lettings team today.
