Can this property be let as planned?
Check lender consent, any lease restrictions and the insurance cover for the intended use. Confirm the tenancy type and whether planning or licensing requirements apply.
The landlord's guide • Leeds & Yorkshire
Questions to ask about your obligations.
Clear questions lead to better decisions. Understand what applies to your property, what needs doing and who is taking care of it.
Start with the essentialsClarity before actionKnow where you stand.
?01
What applies?
The property, the tenancy and the local rules.
02
Who handles it?
A named person for each task and follow-up.
03
What proves it?
The document, decision or completed action.
ASK → CONFIRM → KEEP A RECORD
Property-specific questionsClear responsibilitiesPractical next steps
01 / The right questions
Start with your property.
Then work through the detail.
A single let, a shared house and a converted building can raise different questions. Use these prompts to start a conversation about your own circumstances.
Which safety checks apply?
Review gas and electrical safety, alarms, the EPC and any required follow-up work. Check the property's condition as well as its paperwork, and record who will arrange the next review.
Does the address need a licence?
Check the exact address with the council, including selective licensing and HMO requirements. Confirm the named licence holder, the permitted occupation and the conditions attached to any licence.
What must happen before move-in?
Confirm the right-to-rent checks, current written tenancy information, deposit protection and required information for the tenant. Agree who will complete each step and retain evidence.
How will repairs and access work?
Agree how tenants report problems, how urgent issues are escalated and how works are approved. Plan access with the tenant and keep a record of reports, appointments and completed repairs.
What if the tenancy changes?
Before changing rent, responding to a pet request or seeking possession, check the process that applies to the tenancy. Use current guidance and documents rather than relying on an old template.
02 / Keep the guidance current
Rules change.
Your process should too.
The first phase of the Renters' Rights Act reforms took effect in England on 1 May 2026. Check how the current rules affect your tenancy before making a decision.
Later measures can have different start dates. Check what is in force now, as well as what has been announced.
QUESTIONS TO REVISIT
- Does the agreement reflect the tenancy's current legal position?
- Have the required written information and documents been supplied?
- Are advertising, rent changes and possession steps using the current process?
- Has anyone checked whether a later reform now applies?
03 / Turn answers into action
One task. One owner.
A clear next step.
What needs to happen?
Write down the requirement, the property it relates to and the action needed. Separate a document renewal from any remedial work that follows.
Who is doing it?
Confirm the landlord's and agent's roles in writing. Identify who instructs contractors, approves expenditure, supplies information and follows up.
How will we know?
Set the relevant deadline or review date. Keep the report, correspondence and completion evidence together so an outstanding action is easy to spot.
04 / Local knowledge. Practical support.
You don't need to
work it out alone.
Letsby Avenue is a family-run letting agency in Leeds. We help landlords turn questions into a manageable plan, with clear communication about the property and the work involved.
Start with the address
Local licensing can be street-specific. Leeds has selective licensing areas, so check the council's current information for the exact property.
Be clear about the service
Ask what your management agreement includes, what requires separate instruction and what information or decisions your agent needs from you.
Get the right specialist input
Some questions need a qualified contractor, the council, a solicitor or a tax adviser. Establish the right route before committing to a formal step.
A few common questions
Clear answers.
Fewer assumptions.
Does appointing an agent remove my responsibilities?
Appointing an agent does not automatically remove a landlord's legal responsibilities. Your agreement should make the practical division of work clear, including approvals, information you must provide and anything outside the service.
Does every rental property in Leeds need a licence?
Licensing depends on the location, occupation and property type. Check the exact address for selective licensing and consider any HMO requirements separately. A licence can also carry ongoing conditions.
Are certificates enough on their own?
Certificates and reports are part of the picture. Check whether they identify action that is still needed, keep evidence of completed work and respond to problems that arise during the tenancy.
What should I bring to a conversation with my agent?
Bring the property address, tenancy details, any licence, current reports and certificates, and a list of outstanding issues. Include relevant correspondence so the next steps can be agreed in context.
Official information
Go straight to the source.
Landlord responsibilities
Safety, documents and core responsibilities.
View official guidance ↗Renters’ Rights Act
Current guidance for landlords in England.
View official guidance ↗Leeds selective licensing
Check the local scheme and property coverage.
View official guidance ↗General guidance for landlords in England, reviewed 16 October 2026. This is a starting point, not an exhaustive checklist or advice on an individual legal matter. Check current requirements for your property and tenancy.
Property management. Made personal.
Questions about your property?
Let's talk them through.
Tell us about your property and where you need support. We'll explain how Letsby Avenue can help with the day-to-day work of letting and management.