Tenant Move-In Checklist

Moving into a rented home is easier when the paperwork, condition record and practical checks are completed at the start. This checklist is for tenants moving into a privately rented property in England.

Some items are legal documents and others are good evidence rather than mandatory forms. Keep the original records together and report errors or defects promptly.

Before you collect the keys

Read the tenancy information carefully before moving in. Check the names, property address, rent, payment date, permitted occupants, contact details and any agreed terms about pets, parking or shared areas.

Keep copies of:

• the signed or otherwise agreed tenancy record;
• the current GOV.UK renting information supplied to you;
• the Energy Performance Certificate;
• the gas safety record where gas is present;
• any electrical safety information supplied;
• the deposit receipt and protection information;
• the inventory or check-in report; and
• the landlord or agent's repair and emergency contacts.

Do not sign an inventory or condition report as accurate until you have had a reasonable opportunity to compare it with the property.

Check deposit and payment records

Record every payment with its date, amount, purpose and recipient. Keep bank confirmations and receipts.

GOV.UK says the maximum tenancy deposit is generally up to five weeks' rent where annual rent is below £50,000 and up to six weeks where it is £50,000 or more. Different rules apply to a holding deposit.

For an assured periodic tenancy in England, a qualifying tenancy deposit must be held in a government-approved protection scheme. Save the scheme name, reference and information you receive. If the amount, protection or later repayment is disputed, those records will matter.

Read the deposit protection guide for the landlord process and key documents. If information appears to be missing, ask the landlord or agent in writing rather than relying on a verbal assurance.

Record the property's condition

Walk through the property in good light before moving furniture where possible. Compare every room with the inventory.

Photograph or video:

• walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows;
• stains, marks, cracks and signs of damp or mould;
• sanitary fittings and seals;
• appliances and supplied furniture;
• gardens, balconies, sheds and bins;
• smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; and
• any item already damaged or missing.

Make images date-identifiable and keep the original files. Send proposed inventory corrections in writing and retain the reply. The purpose is not to create a dispute; it is to establish an agreed starting point.

Do not test gas or electrical equipment in an unsafe way. If wiring, an appliance or a smell suggests immediate danger, move to safety and use the appropriate emergency service before contacting the landlord.

Meter readings, utilities and keys

Take clear photographs of meter readings on the day responsibility passes to you. Note which meter serves the property, especially in a converted building.

Record:

• electricity, gas and water readings where applicable;
• meter serial numbers;
• the location of stopcocks, consumer units and meters;
• the number and type of keys, fobs and parking permits;
• bin collection information; and
• the supplier details available at the property.

Check that external doors and accessible windows close and lock. Report a missing key, insecure entrance or incorrect meter promptly.

Safety information to check

GOV.UK says a landlord must keep a rented home safe and free from health hazards. Supplied gas equipment must be safely installed and maintained, and an annual gas safety check is required for each appliance and flue. The tenant should receive the record before moving in or within 28 days of a later check.

The electrical system and landlord-supplied appliances must be safe. Fire-safety duties include alarms and escape access, with additional requirements for some HMOs and blocks.

On move-in day, identify:

• the main exit and any alternative escape route;
• smoke and carbon monoxide alarms;
• the heating and hot-water controls;
• the water stopcock and electrical consumer unit; and
• the landlord's emergency contact route.

Report an alarm that does not work or a serious safety concern immediately. Do not remove batteries or disable safety equipment.

Report repairs and differences promptly

A landlord is responsible for core repairs including the structure and exterior, sanitary fittings, heating and hot water, gas installations and electrical wiring. Tenants remain responsible for damage caused by themselves, family or visitors.

Report defects in writing with the room, problem, date noticed, photographs and impact. GOV.UK says faults that could harm health, such as faulty electrical wiring, should be reported straight away.

Ask when the repair is expected and keep updates, appointment messages and contractor notes. Continue paying the agreed rent while repairs are outstanding. Do not deduct repair costs from rent without case-specific advice.

For access, landlords must normally give at least 24 hours' notice and visit at a reasonable time, unless immediate access is needed in an emergency.

Your first-week file

By the end of the first week, create one folder containing:

1. Tenancy and payment records.
2. Deposit documents.
3. Safety and energy documents.
4. The inventory and your corrections.
5. Dated photographs and meter readings.
6. Key and access records.
7. Repair reports and replies.
8. Contact details for the landlord, agent and emergency route.

Back up important records somewhere you can access after the tenancy ends. Keep later inspection reports and agreed changes with the same file so the history remains clear.

Ongoing tenant responsibilities

GOV.UK says tenants should take good care of the property, pay the agreed rent even where repairs are needed or a dispute exists, pay agreed bills, put right damage they or their visitors cause, and allow lawful access for inspections and repairs.

Tell the landlord promptly where delay could make a leak, electrical fault or other problem worse. Keep communication factual and confirm important telephone discussions in writing.

This is general information for tenants in England, not legal advice. Check current GOV.UK guidance or obtain advice for a specific tenancy.