Letting Protection Service

Find out more about the LPS

Here at the LPS, we know our services are the right choice for landlords. To help you find out more about the services we offer we have compiled the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

FAQs / HELP



Who is the Letting Protection Service?

The LPS is designed by landlords, for landlords. Offering specialist insurance, referencing and protection products, the LPS is a division of Computershare; a global market leader in transfer agency and share registration, employee equity plans, proxy solicitation and stakeholder communications. We also specialise in corporate trust services, tax voucher solutions, bankruptcy administration and a range of other diversified financial and governance services.

Computershare Investor Services PLC is registered in England & Wales, Company No. 3498808, Registered Office: The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS13 8AE. Computershare Investor Services PLC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, Registered Office: 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HS.

As a member of the Financial Services Authority we are committed to providing our customers with a first class service, providing insurance policyholders with access to a Customer Service operative seven days a week by telephone, email, or online.


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Which report should I order?

This depends on how quickly you need results, and/or what depth of data you require. If you need to move a tenant in right away, the Quick Tenant Check is an instant assessment that can be delivered within seconds. The Full Tenant Assessment is more expensive and more comprehensive, for when you can afford to wait the 72 hours for delivery. Remember that both checks offer the opportunity to upgrade to Rent Guarantee.


How long does it take to receive a report?

A Quick Tenant Check report is normally returned to your desktop within a few seconds. The report is also sent to you via email as a PDF attachment.

The LPS Full Tenant Assessment is normally returned within 72 hours. A reference collection/validation can sometimes delay processing times however, as we cannot always control the availability and participation of referees.


What data do you consider when processing Reports?

An LPS Quick Tenant Check is more than a credit check. Data is carefully analysed from several reliable databases including Callcredit Consumer Scoring Systems.

LPS Full Reference Reports combine these scoring systems with an experienced assessment service where each report and reference is individually analysed.


If I pay for a Quick Tenant Check and then want the Full Tenant Reference, do I have to pay full price to upgrade?

At present yes you do. In the future, we will look at introducing a system that allows us to offer a discount to people who have already purchased a Quick Tenant Reference.


Does a LPS reference search leave a trace on the applicant's credit record?

Yes. Every search leaves a record of a search on the prospective tenants’ credit reference record. The search will be displayed as LetsXL Limited. This does not affect their ability to gain credit and has no bearing on any future applications. The entry will consist of the date searched and the nature of the search.


How is my Report delivered to me?

Quick Tenant Check reports are delivered back to your desktop and also sent as an email to the email address you provide. A purchase receipt will follow in a further email.

Full Tenant Reference applications are acknowledged by email and the report is delivered to your email address once the reference is completed. A purchase receipt will also be sent.


How do I pay for a report?

Before you submit the application you are invited to pay for the report through our secure online payment gateway provided by Secure Trading. Once you have submitted the application refunds are not available.


Which payment methods do you accept?

TLPS Referencing Service uses Secure Trading to accept credit and debit card payments. Cards accepted are: Visa, Mastercard, Solo, Switch, Delta, Electron and JCB.


Can I pay over the telephone?

No. We offer online services and ask that you make your payment online.


I do not have a credit or debit card. Can I still use your services?

Unfortunately we cannot accept any other form of payment.


Do I have to complete every section of the application form?

All mandatory fields are highlighted on our forms and must be completed, and you’ll be guided through at every stage.


My report has been delivered and it recommends against accepting the applicant. What should I do?

LPS Quick Tenant Check provides a pass or fail decision based on the CallScore and other information found.

If a pass result is given then the search suggests that the person is likely to prove to be a suitable tenant. LPS Standard Rent Guarantee is available to all prospective tenants that pass an LPS tenant reference – see Rent Guarantee for more information.

If a fail result is given then the search results suggest that the person may not be a suitable tenant. LPS Rent Guarantees are not available where a tenant has failed an LPS tenant reference.

The final decision rests with the property owner, landlord, or agent and if further clarification is required then the LPS recommends applying for a Full Tenant Reference.

LPS Full Tenant Reference gives three result recommendations:

A = Accept
B= Accept with a guarantor
C= Decline

Where a guarantor is recommended LPS will be happy to provide a report for the guarantor at additional cost of £24.99.


What is CIFAS?

CIFAS is a system for preventing fraud. It allows member organisations to exchange details of any applications for products or services which are believed to be fraudulent due to failed verification checks. Members can also exchange information about accounts suspected of being fraudulently misused, or insurance claims suspected of being made fraudulently.


Can I validate foreign applicants?

No. LPS can only provide reference reports on individuals who have been resident in the UK for 2 years and who can provide a valid UK postcode for each place where they have lived over that time.


Who provides your Rent Guarantee policy?

For both the LPS Quick Tenant Check and Full Tenant Reference, the optional associated Rent Guarantee policies are underwritten by DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited. Head and Registered Office: DAS House, Quay Side, Temple Back, Bristol BS1 6NH. Registered in England and Wales, number 103274, and are administered in conjunction with LetsXL Ltd.


How do I submit a prospective tenant's details?

Your prospective tenant's information should be entered online on our easy to use web pages. We recommend that you download and print an application form and complete this before filling in our on line form.


What information do you require to process an application?

The information required is set out in the QTC and FTR application forms.


Do I need permission from my prospective tenant?

You must obtain authorisation from the prospective tenant(s) before you apply for a referencing report from the LPS, in order to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998.

To make this easy, we have provided a Declaration of Consent in our application forms, which you need to ask your tenant(s) to sign and date. You then need to keep this form in your records in case it is needed to prove permission was granted.


Can I check the progress of an application?

A Quick Tenant Reference will be returned to you instantly.


For a Full Tenant Reference, you will either receive the entire report within 72 hours, or at 72 hours we will send you what items we have for the report, and let you know which parts are still outstanding. We will continue to chase down the outstanding items and provide you with an update as to our progress. In the future, we plan to make all of our full tenant references trackable online, so that you can check progress of your report 24/7.


Can I cancel an application before the report is delivered?

LPS Quick Tenant Checks are returned within seconds of being requested and therefore cannot be cancelled.

LPS Full Tenant References cannot be cancelled once they are queued for processing. If a mistake is noticed after an application has been made and the form submitted, you should contact us at admin@lpsreferencing.com quoting the unique case reference number, which can be found in the email you receive from us after completing the reference and we will try to rectify this.


What is the difference between the Letting Protection Service and other referencing agencies?

The LPS aims to provide the highest level of validation of a prospective tenant available, and verifies previous employment and residency information, in addition to checking a tenants' credit history. The LPS referencing team has many years industry experience, and combines this with the latest technology to deliver an accurate assessment of the tenant’s ability to pay the rent.


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Who provides your Quick Check Tenant Reference service?

LetsXL Ltd. Having referenced over 100,000 tenants, they are one of the UK's leading providers of tenant referencing services to the Private Rented Sector (PRS). Based in North Wales and formed in 2001, LetsXL has rapidly become a leading nationwide supplier of risk management services and related products to the lettings industry.


What exactly will a Quick Check Tenant Reference tell me?

Please see our sample report.


How long does it take to receive a Quick Tenant Check report?

A QTC report is normally returned to your desktop within a few seconds. The report is also sent to you via email as a PDF attachment.


Can I cancel an application before the report is delivered?

LPS Quick Tenant Checks are returned within seconds of being requested and therefore cannot be cancelled.

LPS Full Tenant References cannot be cancelled once they are queued for processing. If a mistake is noticed after an application has been made and the form submitted, you should contact us at admin@lpsreferencing.com and we will try to rectify this. Please note that this is not possible in all cases.


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Who provides your Full Tenant Assessment service?

LetsXL Ltd. Having referenced over 100,000 tenants, they are one of the UK's leading providers of tenant referencing services to the Private Rented Sector (PRS). Based in North Wales and formed in 2001, LetsXL has rapidly become a leading nationwide supplier of risk management services and related products to the lettings industry.


What exactly will a Full Tenant Reference tell me?

Please see our sample report.


How long does it take to receive a Full Tenant Reference report?

FTR reports are normally returned within 72 hours. It is important to note however that reference collection and validation relies on the cooperation of third party referees and their time to respond is out of our control. We chase as hard as possible in order to collect references as quickly as possible.


How do you obtain references?

We contact referees via telephone, fax and/or e-mail. We have a great deal of experience in assessing referees - if we do not believe that a referee is in a position to provide an accurate and useful opinion as to the applicant's suitability for the tenancy agreement, we will report this to you. We ensure the validity of Employers by confirming the company details, prior to asking for any information from the Employer.


Which references should I request?

It is prudent to take references from both applicant's employer and current landlord. If the applicant is unemployed or self-employed, you may like to seek a character reference from someone such as an ex-employer or accountant/solicitor, who will be suitably placed to give an accurate account.

Family members and friends can be requested as referees, but their references are unlikely to be suitably balanced and reliable.


Do you obtain a written reference?

Yes, although the time required to collect written references from everyone means they tend to be brief. References are requested via email or fax, with room for a brief summary on the general suitability of a prospective tenant. We ask:

  • employers to confirm position, length of service, salary details and give a brief character reference if applicable
  • landlords to confirm the applicant length of tenancy and give an opinion on their suitability as a potential tenant.

We also ask landlords whether they would let another property themselves to the applicant.


What information do you require to process an application?

In order to process a Full Tenant Assessment, we need:

  • Your personal details, including address and email
  • Your tenancy details, including the address and rental income of the property you are letting out
  • A signed consent form from your prospective tenant, giving permission for the checks (the form can be downloaded from the LPS website)
  • Personal details and previous address of your prospective tenant
  • Income details of your prospective tenant, including employment status and a referee contact
  • Previous landlord/letting agent details (if the applicant has previously rented) and a referee contact where applicable.
You can obtain all the personal, employment and income details from the consent form your prospective tenant will fill in. If you are referencing a couple, you need only reference the main earner.


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What Electrical Safety Testing products do you offer?

LPS offers Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and Periodic Inspection Reports (PIR). A PAT involves the testing of the electrical appliances in your property and a PIR is the inspection of electrical circuits and installations.


How do I get in touch with you?

Please call us on 08444 727 226.


When are you open to take calls about Electrical Safety Testing?

Our hours are 8.30am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.


What are my electrical safety obligations as a landlord?

Under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, it is your legal duty to ensure the electrical appliances and installations throughout your rental property are safe and in good working order.


Why should I have the electrical circuits and appliances in my rental property checked?

Failure to adhere to the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 not only puts your tenant at risk, it leaves you liable for up to 6 months imprisonment; a fine of £5,000; having a civil case brought against you by your tenant and the invalidation of your property insurance.


Do you offer Electrical Safety Testing across the whole of the UK?

Yes, LPS Electrical Safety Testing is available nationwide. Each product is available at a flat rate so you pay the same low price, wherever your rental property is in the UK.


Who will arrange and complete my LPS Electrical Safety Testing?

The inspections and testing will be arranged by EPC-World Ltd. The work will be carried out by a City & Guilds 2377 qualified tester for PAT and City & Guilds 2391 accredited tester for PIR.


When should I get the electrics in my rental property checked?

As you have a legal duty to ensure the electrics and appliances in your property are safe, it is recommended that you have a Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) completed at the start of each tenancy. A Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) will advise you of the frequency and the extent required for future inspections.


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How often should I have a PAT test?

Best practice is to carry out a PAT test at the start of a new tenancy to ensure all electrical appliances you are supplying for use are safe and in good working order.


What is included in a PAT test?

Each portable appliance will be visually inspected and then tested with a PAT device. Each appliance is subject to a pass or fail. If the appliance passes the inspection then a sticker will be issued. Once all appliances have been tested a certificate will be issued along with an Asset Register, this is a log of the location and number of all the electrical appliances in your rental property.


How do I contact you to arrange an inspection?

Our hours are 8.30am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Please call us on 08444 727 226.


How much does a PAT test cost?

An LPS Portable Appliance Test (PAT) costs £58.50 inc. VAT, nationwide. We will test an unlimited number of appliances in the property.


What is the Electrical Tester looking for?

The Electrical Tester is looking for signs of damage to the cable, plug and casing of the appliance. They will also check for evidence of overheating and signs that the appliance may have been used in unsuitable conditions.


Do I get a record of the test?

Each appliance that passes the inspection and test will be issued with a sticker and added to the Asset Register. A certificate will also be issued at the end of the test.


What if one of my appliances fails the PAT test?

Any appliance that fails the test must either be repaired or disposed of. If required, we will supply a quote for the repair work.


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How often should I have a PIR test?

The frequency is dependant on the condition and type of installation, as well as how often it is used and what level of maintenance is carried out. Your last PIR report will have advised you on the frequency and extent of future tests. If you do not have a PIR for your rental property we highly recommend you arrange one immediately.


How much does a PIR test cost?

LPS Periodic Inspection Reports cost £155 inc. VAT, nationwide. This price includes up to 6 circuits.


How do I contact you to arrange an inspection?

Our hours are 8.30am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Please call us on 08444 727 226.


What is included in a PIR test?

The PIR inspection includes:

  • BS7671 Compliant Periodic Inspection Reports
  • Schedule of Test Results
  • Evidence of any defect and departure from the IEE Regulations
  • Professional technical advice from a qualified electrician
  • Notification and advice, relating to the frequency and extent of future tests

The Electrical Tester will inspect the property’s fuse board, fuses, up to 6 circuits (additional circuits can be added at an extra cost), light points, light fittings and electrical points. If the property’s electrics pass the inspection then a certificate will be issued along with a report.


What is the Electrical Tester looking for?

The inspection will check for any damage, wear and tear or poorly maintained electrical installations that pose an electrical danger or hazard.


What if anything fails the PIR test?

In the event of a PIR failing, the reason for the fail will immediately be made available to the landlord. If a serious electrical danger is uncovered during the course of the PIR, EPC-World reserves the right to shut down the electricity supply until safety measures have been implemented. EPC-World will quote to remedy the problem if required.


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When do I need an EPC?

An EPC is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent.

An EPC isn’t required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities.


What are landlords’ obligations?

If you are a landlord, you’ll need to make an EPC available to prospective tenants the first time you let a home after 1 October 2008, 4th January 2009 (Scotland). An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years.

An EPC isn’t required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities.


How long does the certificate last?

It lasts for 10 years, or until the property is modified


Who does your Energy Performance checks?

EPC-World will undertake the inspection. You can be assured of a professional service from qualified energy assessors.


What information do I get?

Information includes energy efficiency and CO2 ratings for the building, with 'A' being the most efficient and 'G' being the least.

It also has a list of any cost effective improvements that could be made to the property, helping to increase its overall efficiency.


What does the certificate look like?

Please click here for an example of the certificate you will receive.


What use is an EPC to me as a landlord?

As well as ensuring that you are complying with the law, you can use your EPC to help you improve the thermal standards of your property, potentially increasing its value and its letting potential.


Can you provide EPCs for anywhere in the UK?

Yes, we can cover the whole of the UK for the same flat rate price


Do you cover all property sizes?

Yes, our flat rate covers all property sizes.


How do I get in touch with you?

Call us on 08444 727 222


When are we open to take EPC calls?

Our hours are 8.30am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.


I have multiple tenants in a single property, do I need multiple EPCs?

You only need one EPC per property. If you rent out individual rooms in a property that have shared facilities you will only need one EPC.

Self-contained units with their own front doors are classed as individual properties so you will need separate EPC certificates for each one.


I have a tenant in my property at the moment; do I have to get an EPC now?

If you have an existing tenancy then you do not need to have an EPC until a new tenant rents out your property.

However, if any significant structural changes are made to the property you must then arrange for an EPC check.


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Why do I need to have the gas installation and appliances in my property inspected and certified as safe?

The duties of landlords in relation to the safety of gas installations and appliances in let properties are detailed in the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. The Regulations place a legal obligation on landlords to ensure that gas installations, appliances, fittings and flues are safe for tenants’ use.

Landlords are required to:

  • ensure gas installations are maintained in a safe condition
  • ensure an annual safety check is carried out on each gas appliance and flue.

Failure to comply with the Regulations may lead to prosecution, and the maximum financial penalty is £5,000 for each offence. If a case is referred to the Crown Court the maximum penalty may be an unlimited fine and the possibility of imprisonment.


How much does it cost?

A Gas Safety Check is £72.50 inc. VAT. This includes inspection and certification of a boiler and up to three appliances in the let property. Please note, payments made by credit card will carry a charge of 2.5%.


Can a Gas Safety Certificate cover more than one property?

No – you must have a separate certificate for each of the properties you rent out.


Who will arrange and complete the Safety Inspection?

The Inspection will be arranged by EPC-World Ltd. The Check will be carried out by a Gas Safe registered gas engineer who is trained and qualified to complete the task.


What does the engineer do during a Gas Safety Check?

The engineer will assess the installation and appliances for apparent and potential dangers. This involves checking the gas pipe work is not leaking, checking appliances have been installed correctly and are operating safely, and checking that flues and ventilation are adequate and operating as they were designed to do.


What is the engineer looking for?

Most importantly, the engineer is checking to see if the installation presents a danger to life or property, and for conditions where appliances or installations could deteriorate.

The engineer will do this by carrying out checks and tests and comparing results obtained against the Gas Regulations, British Standards and manufacturer’s data.


What will the record of the Check include?

Most Gas Safety Checks result in installations and appliances being declared safe, but many will also have some faults noted. This is often because regulations and standards have been strengthened since the installation or appliance was installed.

Faults fall into three categories: ‘Not to current standard’, ‘At risk’ and ‘Immediately dangerous’.

Not to current standard – The gas appliance or installation is not installed in accordance with current installation practice. It is safe, but it is up to the engineer to advise you on whether you need to bring it up to standard. As the installation or appliance is safe, a Gas Safety Certificate will be issued.

At risk – There are serious faults with the potential to become dangerous. An example given by Gas Safe for this category is the use of plastic or hose pipe instead of the appropriate materials for the gas pipe work. These faults would attract a notification of an unsafe installation and a warning notice. A Gas Safety Certificate would not be issued.

Immediately dangerous – The installation or appliance is dangerous. An example could be a gas leak. Such faults would lead to a notification of an unsafe installation and a warning notice, and a Gas Safety Certificate would not be issued.


How do I arrange a Gas Safety Check?

Give LPS a call on 08444 727 223 and we will contact you to make the arrangements for the Gas Safety Check to be completed.


I have more than 4 gas appliances in my property, can I still arrange my Gas Safety Check with LPS?

Yes, you can add additional appliances to the Gas Safety Check for just £11.50 inc. VAT per appliance.


How can I find out more about my Breakdown Insurance plan?

Please refer to your Policy document for contact information and for details on how to make a claim.


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Why should I have the gas boiler in my let property serviced?

There are three key reasons why you should have your boiler serviced:

Safety – 30 people per year die from gas related incidents, and about 20% of these deaths are due to gas explosions and related fires. The remainder however are attributable to the ‘invisible killer’ carbon monoxide. Regular servicing helps to keep your appliances running and burning properly and provides you with peace of mind.

Reliability – Often engineers find faults which have not developed far enough to cause a problem when completing a service. If these faults are not remedied during servicing, they may lead to a breakdown. Also, some of the tasks during servicing are “preventative maintenance”, which actively prevents faults occurring in the future. While servicing cannot guarantee a breakdown will not occur, the likelihood is greatly reduced.

Open flues and chimneys, typically on gas fires and some boilers, work every hour of every day, drawing air (and dust) through the appliances even when they are switched off. If nothing is done to deal with this, problems will occur.

Financial benefits – Many people do not immediately link paying for a gas appliance service with financial benefits. Please consider:

  • Regularly serviced appliances run more efficiently and so cost less to run. You may even recoup the cost of the servicing in fuel savings alone. For example, a boiler heat exchanger is made of very thin material, designed to transfer heat from the gas flame to the water. If this is even a little dirty, a lot of the heat is not transferred, but instead goes out the flue.
  • As reliability increases, the cost of repairs and breakdowns decrease. As well as avoiding some repairs completely, other repair costs will be minimised by catching faults early.
  • The life of any appliance will be extended if it is running properly.

How much does it cost?

The LPS Boiler Service can be carried out at the same time as your Gas Safety Check at a combined cost of just £86 inc. VAT, anywhere in the UK.

With a typical domestic boiler service costing you around £70 plus VAT alone, you can make great savings with LPS. Please note, payments made by credit card will carry a charge of 2.5%.


Who will arrange and complete the service?

The Boiler Service will be arranged by EPC-World Ltd and will be carried out by a Gas Safe registered gas engineer who is trained and qualified to complete the task.


How do I arrange a service?

Give LPS Gas Safety & Servicing a call on 08444 727 223, between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday - Friday and we will take your initial details and your payment. You will then be contacted within 24 hours to arrange an appointment.


Why has Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI?

Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI as the gas registration body on 1 April 2009. The HSE carried out a review of gas safety in 2006 which, after consultation with the gas industry, engineers and the public, led to the decision to change to a new gas registration scheme.

From 1 April 2009, all gas engineers must be registered with Gas Safe Register to legally carry out servicing or maintenance and to install gas appliances, boilers, hobs, ovens or fires in your home or workplace. CORGI registrations are no longer valid. Find out more about Gas Safe Register at www.gassaferegister.co.uk.


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Why is an Inventory important?

A professionally produced Inventory serves the interests of both landlord and tenant. Most importantly, in the light of schemes such as the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS), a high quality Inventory is proof of the state of the property at the beginning of the tenancy and can help prevent disputes over the return of deposits at the end.


When are you open to take Inventory calls?

You can call us on 08444 727 224 on Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.30pm.


How do I get in touch with you?

You can call us on 08444 727 224 or email us on enquiries@lpsinventories.com


What is the difference between an Inventory and a Check-In report?

The Inventory and the Check-In report are two separate documents. An Inventory is the detailed description of each room in the property. The Check-In report is the handwritten report that is completed on the date the tenant moves into the property after walking around and agreeing the condition of the property with the tenant. The Check-In report will also detail the meter readings and list the keys that are handed over. In most cases, the Check-In report will be scanned and added to the back of the Inventory.


What is the advantage of a joint Inventory and Check-In?

A joint Inventory and Check-In ensures that the Inventory produced on the day your tenant moves in is a true reflection of the property on that day. The Check-In report is the document that is hand-written and attached to the back of the Inventory with your tenant's signature to say that they accept the condition of the property on that day.


What areas of a property are not covered in an Inventory?

Areas of the property which do not form part of the normal living area, such as lofts and cellars, will only be included in the Inventory at the special request of the landlord.


Are gardens included in the Inventory?

If the property has a garden, this will be included in the Inventory but the descriptions of contents and condition will be from the point of view of a layman and not a professional gardener. This also applies to garden features such as sheds, outbuildings, greenhouses, and statuary.


How quickly will I be contacted regarding my booking?

You will be contacted within 24 hours to arrange a convenient time for the job to be carried out.


How will my report be delivered?

Your report will be delivered to you by email. We will take your email address when we contact you to schedule your appointment. If you do not provide us with an email address then a hard copy of the report will be posted to you.


How quickly can I expect to receive my report?

We will email your report to you within 2 working days of completion of the job. If you have not provided us with an email address then please allow up to 5 working days for the report to be delivered.


How do I pay?

When we contact you to arrange your appointment we will also take your payment details. The payment will normally be processed within 24 hours of the work being completed.


Which payment methods do you accept?

You can pay using a debit card or credit card, or with a same day BACS payment. Please note, payments made by credit card will carry a charge of £2.


How quickly do I need to let you know if there is anything that I disagree with in the report?

You have 7 days upon receipt of the document to let us know if there is anything that you do not agree with. Please email your comments to enquiries@lpsinventories.com.


Do you take photographs?

We will take photographs of areas that we feel are of significance, paying particular attention to areas of damage, uncleanliness, and any obvious areas of damp or mould etc. Each photo is signed and dated by our Inventory Clerk, essential if they are to be accepted as evidence should a dispute arise.


What are the qualifications of the person who will be carrying out my job?

All Inventory clerks are experienced and members of the AIIC (Association of Inventory Clerks). We adhere to the standards and guidelines of the AIIC, which is our professional governing body.


Why should I have a new Inventory done when I already have an existing Inventory?

It is best practice to have a new Inventory prepared for each tenancy. This avoids any dispute at the end of the tenancy. For instance, when submitting inventories for dispute resolution, they should not normally have any hand-written notes or additions. In other words, the document should be a clean copy prepared for that particular tenancy.


Can you carry out check out reports on 3rd party inventories?

We can carry out check out reports using 3rd party inventories, depending on the accuracy and quality of the document at the start of the tenancy.


How clean should my property be at the start of the tenancy?

A property should be cleaned to a professional standard before a tenancy commences, especially as far as carpets, curtains, upholstery, kitchens, and bathrooms are concerned. It is important for landlords to remember that if an item is less than clean when the tenancy begins, the tenant cannot be charged for cleaning it when the tenancy ends.


What do the abbreviations in my report mean?

There is a list of all abbreviations used at the front of the report, along with their explanation. Please contact us if you need any assistance though.


I don’t understand the recommendations made in my check out report?

An explanation of the terms we use is included in the terms and conditions page of the report. Please contact us if you need any assistance though.


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What is a Rent Guarantee Policy?

The Policy guarantees rent for a set period of time, in the event that your tenant does not pay you.


What does an LPS RG Policy cover?

The Policy covers legal and other fees incurred in a dispute with your tenant including evicting your tenants from your property, any arrears of rent occurring before the tenant vacates (except for the first calendar month of arrears), damage caused by the tenant before they leave, and 50% of the rent you lose should the property need to be repaired, all up to the limits set out in the Policy Wordings.


Why are there two different LPS RG policies?

The two policies provide different levels of cover. If your tenant has passed the more rigorous Full Tenant Reference, you are eligible for the Premium RG product. If your tenant has passed the Quick Tenant Check, you are eligible for the Standard RG product.


What are the requirements of buying this insurance?
  • Copies of two forms of ID for the tenant(s) – one of which must contain a photograph.
  • Detailed inventory of the contents and condition of your property which the tenant has signed.
  • Clear and up-to-date rental records.
  • All tenants included in the tenancy agreement must have passed either a Quick Tenant Check or Full Tenant Reference and the total of their individual rent share is equal or more than the rent set in the tenancy agreement.
  • Your property must be let under an assured shorthold, short assured or an assured tenancy under the 1988 Housing Act, Housing (Scotland) Act or The Private Tenancies Order 2006 (Northern Ireland).

What happens if I have a joint tenancy?

Only one wage earner from a married couple needs to be referenced in order for the reference to be valid. In the case of other co-habitants who are not married, both would need to be referenced for the resulting recommendation to stand, and for the option to upgrade to an LPS RG Policy to be available.


How do I purchase an LPS Standard or Premium RG Policy?

Once your tenant has passed either a Quick Tenant Check or Full Tenant Reference, you will be given a unique reference number. You can either click on the Rent Guarantee link in the report email, or visit our website and purchase from there.


How much does the Policy cost?

Who is the insurer?

The Policy is underwritten by DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited. Head and Registered Office: DAS House, Quay Side, Temple Back, Bristol BS1 6NH. Registered in England and Wales, number 103274.

How long is my rent guaranteed?

Under the LPS Standard RG insurance, rent is guaranteed for up to four months in a six month period. For the LPS Premium RG Insurance, the rent is guaranteed for up to six months in either six or 12 months period – you are able to choose which. On both policies, the first calendar month of rent is not covered.


How long does the cover last?

The LPS Standard RG Policy has a term of six months, the LPS Premium RG Policy allows you to select a term of either six or 12 months.


Can I purchase an LPS RG Policy after the tenancy has started?

Yes, but a claim will not be considered where a dispute with the tenant occurs within the first 90 days after the start date of the Policy.


Does the Policy cover evicting my tenant if they are still paying the rent but are otherwise in breach of the tenancy agreement?

Yes, it covers the legal costs associated with any dispute with your tenant, subject to the claim being accepted by the insurers.


If my tenant(s) moves out and leaves the property damaged so that I cannot let it again or cannot move back in, how am I covered?

50% of the rent will be paid for up to 3 months or until the property is re-let, whichever is the sooner.


Does the Policy cover legal costs and fines that relate to a criminal prosecution?

The Policy does not cover court orders relating to the defence of criminal prosecutions relating to the letting of your property and actions for unlawful discrimination.


Can I cancel the policy and obtain a return of premium?

Yes, but only during the initial 14 day cooling off period, following inception of cover.


How do I make a claim?

You must give us details of any claim as soon as possible and within 90 days of the insured incident happening. You can phone us on 0117 934 2119. At this point we will not be able to tell you whether you are covered, but will pass the information on to our claims-handling teams and explain what to do next.

Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls may be recorded. Alternatively you can email us at newclaims@das.co.uk, or write to:

The Claims Department, DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited, DAS House, Quay Side, Temple Back, Bristol BS1 6NH.


When will my claim be paid?

Once a claim is accepted, the loss of rent will be paid 30 days in arrears of the due date for the period and up to the limits set out in the Policy.


How can I contact you?

What can I do if I am not happy with your service or the decision that you make regarding a claim?

If you have a complaint about our service or about the way we have treated you, please write to our Customer Relations Department at our Head Office address shown below.

DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited, DAS House, Quay Side, Temple Back, Bristol BS1 6NH.

Alternatively you can telephone us on 0117 934 0066 or email us at customerrelations@das.co.uk.

A copy of our internal complaint-handling procedure is available on request.

If you are still not happy with the response you receive, you have the right to ask the Financial Ombudsman Service to review your case.


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