About Our Guaranteed Rent Property Standards
At Cotton Estates, we pride ourselves on maintaining high-quality rental properties that meet all legal, safety, and comfort standards.
This page outlines the minimum property requirements for landlords joining our Guaranteed Rent service. These guidelines serve as a reference for necessary improvements and compliance requirements before leasing your property through us.
Please note: These standards are subject to updates based on legislation, housing regulations, and contractual obligations.
Certification Documentation Requirements
Before onboarding your property, the following certificates and documents must be provided:
✔️ Gas Safety Certificate – Annual gas safety checks conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
✔️ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – Must meet minimum efficiency standards as required by law.
✔️ Electrical Installation Safety Certificate (EICR) – Periodic inspection conducted by an N.I.C.E.I.C or N.A.P.I.T registered electrician.
✔️ Proof of Ownership – Evidence that you are the legal property owner.
✔️ Buildings Insurance – A valid building insurance policy must be provided.
🏠 Health and Safety Standards
All properties must comply with health and safety regulations, including:
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Smoke Alarms – A lithium 10-year battery life smoke alarm on each floor.
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Installed in any room where a boiler is present or if there is a concealed flue.
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Fire Safety Compliance – All polystyrene ceiling tiles and coverings must be removed.
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Stairs & Balustrades – Must have a secure handrail, and balustrades must have gaps no larger than 100mm.
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Heat Detectors – Mains-wired heat detectors may be required in kitchens.
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Fire-Safe Furnishings – Any furniture provided must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1993.
Certification Documentation Requirements
Before onboarding your property, the following certificates and documents must be provided:
✔️ Gas Safety Certificate – Annual gas safety checks conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
✔️ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – Must meet minimum efficiency standards as required by law.
✔️ Electrical Installation Safety Certificate (EICR) – Periodic inspection conducted by an N.I.C.E.I.C or N.A.P.I.T registered electrician.
✔️ Proof of Ownership – Evidence that you are the legal property owner.
✔️ Buildings Insurance – A valid building insurance policy must be provided.
🏡 Minimum Property Standards
🖌 Decoration and Interior Condition
✔️ Walls, ceilings, and woodwork must be in good condition and freshly painted where necessary.
✔️ No visible marks, stains, or damage.
🪟 Windows
✔️ All windows must be secure, fully operational, and free from cracks.
✔️ Windows lower than 1.2m above ground level must have restrictors limiting opening to 150mm.
✔️ Locking windows must have keys.
✔️ Bathroom and toilet windows must have obscured glass, privacy film, or blinds.
🚪 Doors
✔️ All doors must be well-fitted, open and close properly.
✔️ Door stops must be installed to prevent wall damage.
✔️ Entrance doors must be fitted with:
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A Yale-type lock
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A 5-lever mortice deadlock
✔️ A working doorbell must be installed.
📬 Post Box
✔️ A secure post box must be fitted for postal deliveries.
🚫 Damp and Insulation
✔️ The property must be free from damp, mold, and condensation issues.
✔️ Water storage tanks should have an insulated cylinder jacket.
✔️ Loft insulation must be at least 150mm deep, where applicable.
🍽 Room Specific Standards
👨🍳 Kitchen Requirements
✔️ Securely fitted kitchen units with adequate storage.
✔️ A working gas or electric cooker (restrained to the wall if free-standing).
✔️ Space for a fridge/freezer and washing machine with appropriate connections.
✔️ A minimum of two double sockets at worktop height, plus low-level sockets for appliances.
✔️ Worktops must be in good condition with a tiled splashback (minimum 300mm height).
✔️ Sinks and worktops must be sealed properly with mastic.
✔️ Flooring must be vinyl or tiled, with no loose edges or stains.
✔️ Windows must have blinds or net curtains.
✔️ Kitchens must be well-ventilated with either a window or extractor fan.
✔️ Mains-wired heat detector required if no kitchen door is fitted.
✔️ Kitchen doors must be FD30 fire-rated with intumescent strips and a self-closer.
✔️ A fire blanket must be mounted near the kitchen door.
🛏 Bedrooms
✔️ Double rooms must have a double bed.
✔️ Single rooms must have a single bed.
🛋 Living Room and Communal Space
✔️ Must contain a dining table with chairs and a sofa.
📦 Handover Requirements
Before your property is handed over, the following conditions must be met:
✔️ The property must be vacant and free from tenants' belongings.
✔️ The property must be clean and all maintenance issues resolved before the tenancy starts.
✔️ Keys must be delivered at least 48 hours before the tenancy begins.
📌 Have questions? Contact us for assistance in preparing your property.
💰 Guaranteed Rent Offers – Terms and Conditions
Our rental offers are based on the following criteria:
1️⃣ A dedicated living/dining area must be available (this space cannot be counted as a bedroom unless there are multiple communal spaces).
2️⃣ The property must be clean, well-maintained, and meet our Guaranteed Rent requirements.
3️⃣ Offers are subject to property viewings (in-person, video, or photos).
4️⃣ The property owner must provide identity verification (passport, proof of ownership).
5️⃣ Gas and electrical certificates must be provided.
📌 Offer Validity
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Offers remain valid for 5 working days from the date of issuance.
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Contracts must be signed within this period, or the offer will expire.
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All agreements are binding only after both parties have signed the contract.
📞 Ready to secure Guaranteed Rent? Contact Cotton Estates today!
