Landlord Starter Pack
Moving day goes better when unfinished jobs have been dealt with before the tenant arrives. Use this free landlord starter pack to keep the preparation and handover for a new England tenancy in one clear record.
Free Word pack with blank forms and a separate fictional worked example.
Keep the paperwork and payment dates straight.
The pack follows Sam Taylor and Alex Morgan’s fictional tenancy at Example Flat A. Moving day is 1 July 2026.
The information reached the tenant before agreement.
- Written key information delivered
- 20 June 2026
- Tenancy agreed
- 23 June 2026
The dated entry points to the saved delivery evidence. An unchecked box or an undated copy would leave the timing uncertain.
The handover has its own record.
- Move in date
- 1 July 2026
The completed example includes the key and meter records and acknowledgement of receipt. Use the blank form for the real handover rather than copying another property’s details.
A part payment leaves rent to carry forward.
- July rent due
- £1,000
- July payment received
- £800
- Unpaid July rent
- £200
That £200 is still unpaid before the next statement starts on 1 August. It becomes the statement’s opening balance, rather than another August rent charge.
Each part of the file has its own evidence. A payment record explains the rent balance; the handover record explains what was delivered and recorded on moving day.
Prepare the property before the tenant arrives.
Landlords and letting agents preparing an ordinary assured periodic residential tenancy in England. It is useful whether you manage the property yourself or need to hand a checked file to someone else.
Give each unfinished item a clear next action.
Use the landlord checklist to see which preparation item still needs attention. Record the work, relevant dates and where its evidence is kept. The handover record captures what was actually given, checked or recorded when the tenant moved in.
A separate fictional completed example shows how the record can be used. Keep the blank master for the next letting and save a separate copy for the actual property, with the supporting documents held securely.
Start the record while there is still time to put things right.
Open the record while the letting is being prepared. A document that is still being requested or a repair that is only booked should remain open until the relevant work and evidence are complete.
At handover, record the actual keys and readings rather than copying the last tenancy’s details. Give the tenant a chance to add factual corrections to the starting record and keep those corrections with it.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start using the pack?
Start before the tenancy is agreed, while missing information or outstanding work can still be addressed. Some duties arise before agreement or occupation, so moving day is too late to begin checking the file.
What if something is still outstanding at handover?
Keep the next action and responsible person clear, but complete required safety and tenancy steps by their applicable deadlines. Recording an unfinished requirement does not make the property ready to let.
Can I use records I already have?
Yes. Refer to the actual document, version and delivery evidence rather than copying everything into the form. Store personal information and identity evidence securely with access limited to the people who need it.
Does the pack replace the tenancy agreement?
The pack is a preparation and handover record. Use the agreement and written information required for the actual tenancy, and retain evidence of the relevant checks and delivery.
Check the current duties before agreeing the tenancy.
For a new covered tenancy in England, the required written key information must be given before the parties sign or otherwise agree the tenancy. The old How to Rent guide has been withdrawn, so use the current government guidance rather than treating an old guide as a completed requirement.
A record of an action needs the actual supporting evidence. Complete the applicable property, safety and tenancy requirements by their deadlines, and use the rules for the real property and type of letting.
Guidance checked on 30 October 2026.
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