Preparing a London Rental Property Between Tenancies: An EPC and Marketing Checklist

The period between tenants gives landlords an opportunity to prepare their property for its next occupant. From checking the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to arranging professional photographs and updating the floor plan, a little organisation can make the next letting process easier.

For landlords in London, the key is to identify what needs attention before advertising the property. An expired EPC, outdated property photographs or an inaccurate floor plan can create avoidable delays.

This guide explains how to prepare a rental property between tenancies, what documents to check and how to coordinate essential property marketing services.

1. Check the Existing EPC First

Before arranging other property services, check whether the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate.

An EPC provides information about a property’s energy efficiency and includes recommendations for potential improvements. In England, landlords generally need to provide an EPC when letting a property, subject to applicable exemptions and requirements.

You can check for an existing certificate using the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service.

Review the certificate’s address, rating and expiry date. If it has expired or a new certificate is required for your circumstances, arrange an assessment before marketing the property.

Urgent EPC provides a residential EPC service in London for landlords and property owners who need an assessment.

Checking the EPC early gives you more time to address any outstanding requirements before the next tenancy begins.

2. Inspect the Property After the Previous Tenant Leaves

Once the property is vacant, inspect its condition and identify any work that needs to be completed.

Focus on areas that may affect the next tenancy or the accuracy of your property listing.

Check:

• Walls, ceilings and flooring

• Kitchen appliances and fittings

• Bathroom fixtures and ventilation

• Windows and doors

• Heating controls and radiators

• Lighting and electrical fittings

• Gardens, balconies and entrances

• Any alterations made during the previous tenancy

Record any maintenance issues and arrange the necessary work before photographing the property.

This inspection also helps you determine whether existing photographs and floor plans still represent the property accurately.

For example, a renovated kitchen may look very different from the images used in the previous rental listing. Similarly, a converted room or altered layout may require an updated floor plan.

3. Review Heating Controls and Recent Improvements

Heating equipment and controls deserve attention when preparing a rental property.

Check whether the heating system operates correctly and whether tenants will be able to understand and use its controls. If equipment has recently been replaced, retain relevant manuals and installation records.

Smart thermostats are increasingly common in rental homes. However, installing one does not automatically improve an EPC rating.

Our guide to smart thermostats and EPC ratings in London explains how heating controls relate to energy assessments and what landlords should consider before upgrading their systems.

Some landlords may also have installed electric vehicle charging points at properties with suitable parking. If this applies to your rental home, read our article on EPC considerations for electric vehicle charging points in London.

These features can be useful for occupants, but they should not be treated as automatic ways to increase an EPC rating. The property’s overall characteristics and the applicable assessment methodology determine the result.

4. Arrange Professional Property Photography

Once maintenance work and cleaning are complete, consider arranging professional property photography.

Good photographs help prospective tenants understand the property’s appearance before requesting a viewing. They can also present the accommodation more clearly across property portals and letting agency websites.

Before the photographer arrives:

• Remove unnecessary clutter.

• Clean kitchen worktops and bathroom surfaces.

• Make beds and arrange furniture neatly.

• Open curtains where appropriate.

• Tidy gardens and balconies.

• Make sure the main rooms are accessible.

• Check that the photographs will reflect the property’s actual condition.

Avoid photographing rooms before planned repairs or renovations are complete. Otherwise, you may need another appointment to update the images.

Urgent EPC provides professional property photography in London, helping landlords and agents prepare property listings with suitable marketing images.

You can also view examples in the property photography and floor plan portfolio.

5. Check Whether the Floor Plan Needs Updating

A floor plan is another useful part of a rental listing.

It helps prospective tenants understand the arrangement of rooms, the relationship between living spaces and the overall layout before arranging a viewing.

Review the existing floor plan after any renovation or internal alteration.

For example, removing a partition, converting a room or changing the position of a kitchen can make an old plan inaccurate. The same applies when a property is divided into different accommodation arrangements.

If the current plan no longer represents the property, consider arranging a replacement.

Urgent EPC offers professional property floor plans for property marketing. Combining an accurate plan with updated photographs can give prospective tenants a clearer picture of the accommodation.

6. Organise the Property Documents

Keeping the paperwork organised can make it easier to prepare the property for its next tenancy.

Depending on the property and the circumstances, relevant documents may include:

• A valid EPC

• Gas safety records, where required

• Electrical safety documentation, where required

• Appliance manuals

• Heating system information

• Installation records for recent improvements

• Property inventory and condition records

• Relevant permissions for alterations

The requirements vary according to the property and applicable regulations. Landlords should check the current rules rather than assume that every document is required in every situation.

For EPC-related information, consult the official GOV.UK Energy Performance Certificate guidance.

If you have installed new heating controls, solar equipment or an EV charger, keeping the relevant documentation can also help you identify the systems installed at the property.

7. Coordinate Your EPC, Photography and Floor Plan

Preparing a rental property often involves several separate tasks. Coordinating them can reduce the amount of time spent managing appointments.

A practical sequence is to inspect the property, complete necessary maintenance, check the EPC, confirm the layout and arrange photography when the property is ready.

Depending on the property’s requirements, you may be able to organise an EPC, professional photography and a floor plan through one provider.

Urgent EPC offers EPC and property marketing services covering residential EPC assessments, property photography and floor plans.

You can review the property marketing package information to understand how these services can be coordinated. Check the current booking options and pricing to confirm which combinations are available.

For landlords working with tight changeover periods, this approach can make property preparation easier to organise.

8. Plan Around Your Next Tenancy Date

The gap between tenancies can be short, especially when a new occupant is ready to move in.

Create a checklist with realistic deadlines for maintenance, cleaning, documentation and marketing.

For example:

First: Property inspection

Identify repairs, cleaning requirements and any changes to the layout.

Next: EPC and documentation

Check whether the EPC is valid and arrange an assessment if needed.

Then: Photography and floor plan

Arrange these once the property is presentable and the layout is confirmed.

Finally: Listing review

Check that the property description, photographs, floor plan and EPC information are accurate before publishing the advert.

If you need an assessment quickly, explore the Same Day EPC service. Appointment availability and turnaround should be confirmed before making commitments to prospective tenants.

9. Review the Listing Before Advertising

Before the property goes live, review all the information a prospective tenant will see.

Confirm that the advertised number of bedrooms and bathrooms matches the property. Check that the photographs show its current condition and that the floor plan reflects the existing layout.

You should also verify the rent, availability date, property features and relevant EPC details.

If you are managing several rental properties, using the same review process for each one can help reduce mistakes.

For pricing information about EPC and floor plan services, visit the Urgent EPC pricing page. If you need help selecting a service, use the contact page to discuss your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do landlords need a valid EPC before advertising a rental property?

In England, landlords generally need to provide an EPC when letting a property, subject to applicable exemptions and requirements. Check the current government guidance and confirm whether your property already has a valid certificate.

Should I arrange photography before or after repairs?

Arrange photography after essential repairs, cleaning and planned improvements are complete. This helps ensure that the photographs accurately represent the property being advertised.

Do I need a new floor plan after renovating a rental property?

Not every renovation requires a new floor plan. However, if the work changes the room arrangement or property layout, update the plan so that it accurately represents the accommodation.

Does installing a smart thermostat improve an EPC rating?

Not automatically. The effect depends on the installed heating system, controls and applicable assessment methodology. Read our guide to smart thermostats and EPC ratings for more information.

Does an EV charging point increase an EPC rating?

An EV charging point does not automatically increase a property’s EPC rating. For more information, see our guide to electric vehicle charging points and EPCs in London.

Can I arrange an EPC, photography and floor plan together?

Urgent EPC offers all three types of service. Visit the services page and check the available booking options for your property.

Final Thoughts

Preparing a rental property between tenancies is an opportunity to organise essential documents, complete maintenance and refresh the property’s marketing materials.

Start by checking the EPC and inspecting the property. Then confirm the layout, arrange photography and review the listing before advertising.

For landlords in London, coordinating an EPC, professional photography and a floor plan through one provider may simplify the preparation process.

To explore the available options, visit Urgent EPC or book a property service.