After my last article mentioning our property set up check-ins has 119 things to remember, many of you have asked some insights of the things on our HMO set up checklist.

So here it is, most important things in our HMO set up checklist to prepare property ready for tenants:

• Save HMO license copy in management software – if not license, apply for it and see the check list for HMO Applications.
• Add the property and all room details in Management software.
• Research the current market and set the rental for what rooms should be advertised.

• Set up the link for directions for te property (This is sent to all tenants who are booked for viewings).
• Save Fire alarm certificate to management software, if landlord does not have it, book with our engineer.
• Save Gas certificate to management software, if landlord does not have it, book with our engineer.
• Save Escape Light test certificate to management software, if landlord does not have it, book with our engineer.
• Safe fire extinguisher servicing data to management software, if landlord does not have it, book with our engineer.
• Save Fire Risk Assessment to management software, if landlord does not have it, book with our engineer.

• Save Electric Certificate to management software, if landlord does not have it, book with our engineer.
• Save PAT management software, if landlord does not have it, book with our engineer.
• Save EPC to management software, if landlord does not have it, book with our engineer.

• Draw floor plan and add to management software.
• Details of landlord insurance – make sure its HMO insurance.
• Set up Gas and Electric account and add on system online account log ins.
• Set up Water account and add on system .

Getting the property ready:

• Set up all rooms and order full furniture sets (bed, mattress, wardrobe (if no built in storage), chest drawer, bedside table, desk and chair).

• Once furniture is delivered, dress up all the dooms in dress up kits for photos.
• Make sure all windows has curtains/blinds.
• Take professional photos and videos of each room and upload to the management software.
• Start advertising all rooms.
• Prepare inventory for each room.
• Set up notice board in kitchen.
• Arrange key safe installation.
• Make copies of keys for each room and required sets for main door so all ready for tenants.

• Put up the letter holder in corridor for landlords main.
• Display frame with te HMO Managers contact details and address.
• Display the HMO license.
• Display the certificates.
• Put water stop tags on mains water stop.
• Display the waste disposal and recycling information.
• Display the housekeepers rota and the fire alarm test log.
• Order extra waste bins if required .

• Makes sure all lightbulbs are energy saving LED.
• Arrange basket with cleaning products.
• Make sure garden is cleaned and tidy.
• Put a tag on gas stop valve.
• Check that all radiators are working and all valves working and can regulate heating.
• Makes sure al window handles are in good order, all windows opening and closing.
• Put the pipe cleaning solution in all pipes to clean before any tenants move in.
• Makes sure toilet has bin and brush.
• Make sure kitchen has a plunger.
• Store extra lightbulbs in the communal cupboard .

• Set the thermostat on the correct season settings and suitable timings and temperature.
• Take photos of gas and electric metere.
• Prepare the tenant handbook with local info, the cleaning instructions, the Fire safety guidance and actions, location of fuse board, boiler, gas and electric meter, water stop, gas stop, emergency phone umbers and guidance how to act in different situations.

• Test the shower that its working, with good water preassure and no leaks.
• Test all appliances are working and been PAT tested.
• Allocate and label kitchen cupboards.
• Provide ironing board.
• Test and check that kitchen extractor is working.
• Make sure fire blanket is correctly installed.

• Check that kitchen has mixed waste and recycling bin.
• Put air freshener for pleasant atmosphere during viewings, nothing too strong or too specific.
• Put bath mat in bathroom.
• Make sure enough storage in bathroom for all tenants.
• Put up mattress protector on all mattress.

I hope this helped you and reminded of some things you might have missed out. If you would like to see the full list, please feel free to contact us.