Rental Property Handover Checklist for Devon Landlords

The gap between tenants is your chance to get the property right. Here's a comprehensive checklist for Devon landlords, from legal requirements to finishing touches.

Legal Requirements

Must Be Completed

Gas Safety Certificate: Annual requirement. Must be valid at start of tenancy and copy given to tenant.

Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): Required every 5 years. Must be valid and satisfactory.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Must be minimum E rating (C from 2025 for new tenancies). Valid for 10 years.

Smoke Alarms: One on each floor. Must work at start of tenancy.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm: Required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (gas boiler, wood burner).

How to Rent Guide: Must provide current version to tenants.

Document to Prepare

• Tenancy agreement
• Deposit protection certificate
• Inventory with photographs
• Meter readings
• Appliance manuals
• Emergency contact numbers

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Cleaning Standards

Professional Clean Recommended

Between tenancies, consider professional end-of-tenancy cleaning:

Cost: £150-400 depending on property size

Covers:

• Oven and hob deep clean
• Bathroom sanitisation
• Kitchen appliances
• Carpets (often extra)
• Windows (often extra)

Minimum Standards

Area	Check
Kitchen	All surfaces, appliances inside and out, cupboards emptied and wiped
Bathroom	Toilet, shower/bath, tiles, grouting, mirrors, extractor
Bedrooms	Carpet clean, windowsills, light fittings, inside wardrobes
Living areas	Carpets, all surfaces, behind furniture spots
Windows	Clean inside, check operation

Often Missed

• Top of kitchen cupboards
• Inside light shades
• Extractor fan filters
• Behind toilet
• Under sink cupboards
• Inside oven door glass
• Skirting board tops

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Repair Checklist

Safety Priority

Item	Action
All locks	Working, keys available
Window restrictors	Required on upper floors
Fire doors	Closing properly, seals intact
Stairs and handrails	Secure, no loose treads
Glass	Safety glass where required (bathroom, near doors)

Functional

Item	Check
All taps	Working, no drips
Toilet	Flushes and fills properly
Shower	Good pressure, drainage clear
Heating	Working, radiators bled
Hot water	Adequate supply, correct temperature
Electrical sockets	All working, no damage
Light fittings	All working, bulbs replaced
Door handles	All secure
Window latches	All operating
Extractor fans	Working

Cosmetic

Item	Consider
Walls	Touch up paint, fill holes
Skirting and doors	Touch up chips
Sealant	Reseal bath/shower if discoloured
Grout	Regrout if mouldy/stained
Carpets	Clean or replace if worn
Curtains/blinds	Clean or replace

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Devon-Specific Considerations

Damp and Ventilation

Devon's wet climate means:

• Check for damp/mould (window reveals, behind furniture)
• Ensure extractor fans work
• Trickle vents open
• Provide guidance on ventilation to tenants

Older Properties

Many Devon rentals are older buildings:

• Lime mortar may need maintenance
• Breathable paints/treatments required
• Single-glazed windows may need secondary glazing
• Higher heating costs - is insulation adequate?

Coastal Properties

Extra considerations:

• Salt corrosion on external fittings
• More frequent exterior painting
• Gutter maintenance
• Window seal condition

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Inventory Essentials

Photograph Everything

At minimum:

• Each room (multiple angles)
• All appliances
• Any existing damage
• Meter readings
• Garden

Written Description

For each room note:

• Wall condition and colour
• Floor condition
• Window condition
• Fixtures and fittings
• Furniture (if furnished)

Furnished Properties

List every item with:

• Condition
• Brand/model if applicable
• Quantity
• Original value (approximately)

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Appliances

Minimum Testing

• Oven: Heat and all functions
• Hob: All burners/elements
• Fridge/freezer: Correct temperature
• Washing machine: Full cycle
• Dishwasher: Full cycle
• Boiler: Heating and hot water

Manuals and Instructions

Leave manuals for:

• Boiler
• Oven/hob
• Washing machine
• Alarm system
• Shower (if thermostatic)

If missing, download PDFs and print or provide links.

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Gardens and External

Safety

• Paths clear and even
• Outside lighting working
• Gate latches functioning
• Shed secure

Maintenance State

Leave the garden in a condition tenants can maintain:

• Lawns mowed
• Hedges trimmed
• Borders weeded
• Gutters cleared

Tools and Equipment

If provided, list in inventory:

• Lawnmower (working?)
• Garden tools
• Hose and connectors
• Wheelie bin locations

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Keys and Access

Key Handover

Provide:

• Front door keys (at least 2 sets)
• Back door keys
• Window keys
• Shed/garage keys
• Gate keys
• Alarm fob/code
• Meter cupboard key

Emergency Access

Provide information on:

• How to isolate water (stopcock location)
• How to isolate electricity
• How to isolate gas
• Emergency numbers
• Your contact or managing agent

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Quick Turnover Service

What I Can Help With

When you have just days between tenants:

1-Day Blitz:

• Touch up painting
• Minor repairs (door handles, shelves, etc.)
• Bleeding radiators
• Checking all fixtures
• Replacing bulbs and batteries

Half-Day Focus:

• Key repair priorities
• Safety items
• Functionality checks

Specific Items:

• Furniture assembly
• TV mounting for furnished lets
• Grab rails (supported housing)
• Blind/curtain fitting

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Timeline

Ideal: 1 Week Before New Tenancy

Day 1-2: Cleaning (professional or thorough DIY) Day 3-4: Repairs and maintenance Day 5: Final inspection and inventory Day 6: Buffer for issues found Day 7: Handover

Reality: 2 Days Before

Day 1: Cleaning and critical repairs Day 2: Final checks, inventory, handover

This is stressful. Plan ahead.

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Need help preparing a rental property? I do turnover work for landlords across Exeter and Devon - quick, reliable, and I know what letting agents look for. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.