Thinking of Renting Out Your Place in Norwich? Here's What You Need to Know

If you’ve got a house or flat in Norwich that you’re thinking of letting, it can be a great way to bring in a bit of extra income. Some people do it to top up their earnings, others to make use of a property that would otherwise sit empty.

Before you put it on the market, there are a few things worth sorting out first. Once you know what’s involved, it’s much easier than it looks, and taking a little time to prepare can save you a lot of stress later.

Get Your Property Ready

The first thing is to make sure your property is safe and meets the required standards. That means:

• Gas - If the property has gas, you need a Gas Safety Certificate renewed every year.
• Electrics - You’ll need an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which lasts five years.
• Energy Efficiency - Every rental property must have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) with at least an E rating. The certificate is valid for ten years.

It is also worth giving the property a tidy-up. Fresh paint, clean carpets, and making sure everything works can make a real difference when potential tenants come to view. First impressions count.

Do You Need a Licence?

Not every landlord needs one, but if you’re letting to a group of unrelated tenants - like students or young professionals sharing - your property might be classed as a “House in Multiple Occupation” (HMO). In that case, you may need a licence from Norwich City Council. Properties in Hethersett and Cringleford fall under South Norfolk Council.

If you’re letting to a single household or family, you probably won’t need one. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to check with the council first so there are no surprises later.

Decide Who’s Going to Manage It

Next, think about whether you want to manage the property yourself or use a letting agent. If you self-manage, you’ll handle finding tenants, collecting rent, and sorting repairs yourself. A letting agent can take care of most of that for you, though there is a fee.

If you have the time and don’t mind dealing with tenants about any issues, managing it yourself can save money. If not, an agent can make the whole process much easier.

Finding Tenants

Once the property is ready, it’s time to advertise. Good photos really help, and make sure you’re clear about the basics - like whether pets are allowed and what’s included in the rent.

With the property on the market, you will hopefully begin to receive a steady flow of applications from potential tenants. At this stage you will need to carry out some important background checks on your applicants. This process includes:

• Checking their ID
• Making sure they have the right to rent in the UK
• Getting references if possible

It might feel like extra work at first, but it really saves headaches later.

Ensure the Paperwork is in Order

Most landlords use an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement. This sets out the rent, notice period, and who’s responsible for what.

If you take a deposit, you also have 30 days to put it in a government-approved deposit scheme.

Once Your Tenants Move In

Being a landlord isn’t just handing over the keys and putting your feet up. You’ll need to:

• Keep the property safe and in good condition
• Deal with repairs promptly (within reason)
• Give tenants notice before visiting
• Keep up with safety checks
• Communicate openly - tenants who feel respected usually take care of the property.

Summary

Renting a property does not need to be a daunting experience. Once you know what is involved, it is actually very straightforward. Conduct the safety checks, check if you need a licence, find the right tenants, and ensure the paperwork is in order. After that, it is mostly your role to keep the property running smoothly and treating your tenant fairly.

However, if it all feels like a lot to handle, a letting agent can make things much easier. Give us a call at Pearl Lettings if you’d like any advice - we’re happy to help.