THINKING of renting out your home in Hackney? If so, the Council recommends you follow a simple 10-point checklist to avoid getting into difficulties.

In challenging economic circumstances, rental income can help the budget but not complying with the law can prove costly further down the line.

The following can prove useful for those thinking about renting out empty properties, or who are unable to sell a home:

Speak to your mortgage lender about it

Always check references from potential tenants

Prepare a formal tenancy agreement

If you take a deposit, it must be properly protected by an approved scheme

Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate for the property – this must be provided by law for any new tenants

If you rent your house or flat to more than one tenant or family, find out from the Council whether you need a property licence

Get your gas appliances checked by an engineer accredited by the Gas Safe Register – contact 0800 408 5500 or visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk

Get you electrical appliances checked by an engineer accredited by the ????

If you have any questions, contact Hackney’s Private Sector Housing team on 020 8356 4866 or email private.sector.housing@hackney.gov.uk

Check that furniture in the property is fire safe – for more information contact Hackney Council’s Trading Standards Service on 020 8356 4929.

Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Hackney Council wants to ensure the highest standards of private rented accommodation. We’re on your side in difficult times – this 10-point plan can help landlords stay on the right side of the law and provide top quality accommodation for tenants in the borough.”

Failing to talk to a mortgage lender could lead to repossession; not storing a tenants deposit in an approved scheme can cost landlords three times the deposit; and failing to licence a multi-tenant house properly could result in up to a £20,000 fine.