Move-in checklist for UK tenancies

Entrance

Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.

• Front door
• Lock and hardware
• Doorbell
• Lighting

Hallway

Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and sockets
• Floors and floor coverings

Living room

Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and sockets work.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and sockets
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Radiators

Kitchen and dining

Test all appliances, taps and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to worktops or surfaces.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and sockets
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Cupboards
• Sink and worktops
• Oven and hob
• Fridge freezer
• Extractor fan

Bathroom

Test taps, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mould or damage to fittings.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and sockets
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Mirror and cabinet
• Bath
• Shower
• Wash basin
• Toilet
• Extractor fan

Utility room

Test the washing machine and check the utility sink for damage or leaks.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and sockets
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Washing machine
• Utility sink

Bedroom

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and sockets
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Wardrobe

Stairs

Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.

• Handrail
• Treads and risers
• Lighting

General

Check bins and bin store, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.

• Bins and bin store
• Locks
• Insulation
• Smoke alarms present and working

Garage

Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and sockets
• Floor
• Door and remote

Exterior

Check external walls and paintwork, gutters and downpipes. Note any signs of moisture or damage.

• External walls and paintwork
• Gutters and downpipes

Garden

Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the letterbox is present and usable.

• Lawns and gardens
• Fencing
• Washing line
• Letterbox

Loft

Check the loft hatch, insulation and any signs of water ingress or pests.

• Loft hatch and ladder
• Insulation depth
• Signs of water ingress
• Pest activity
• Water tank and pipework lagged

Airing or boiler cupboard

Check the boiler, cylinder and pipework for leaks and corrosion.

• Boiler and controls
• Hot water cylinder
• Pipework lagged
• No leaks or corrosion
• Shelving and door

Communal areas

Record the condition of shared entrances, stairs and bin stores.

• Communal entrance and door entry
• Stairs and handrails
• Lighting
• Bin store
• Fire doors and escape routes clear

Off-street parking

Record the condition of any allocated parking, driveway or garage.

• Allocated space or driveway
• Surface condition
• Garage door and remote
• Lighting

Damp and mould

Check for condensation, penetrating damp and rising damp. A property must be fit for human habitation under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

• No visible mould growth
• Extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom working
• Windows open and trickle vents clear
• No penetrating or rising damp
• No condensation staining on walls or ceilings
• Loft and wall insulation adequate

Inventory of furniture and contents

List inventory of furniture and contents provided by the landlord.

Keys

Photograph all keys supplied and note the count, including spares, garage remotes and letterbox keys.

• Number of keys supplied
• Spare keys
• Garage remote
• Letterbox key

Meter checks

Record gas, electricity and water meter readings at the start of the tenancy.

• Gas meter reading
• Electricity meter reading
• Water meter reading

Deposit protection and documents

The deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days, with the prescribed information served at the same time. Serve the other required documents at the start of the tenancy and record the date each one was given.

• Deposit protected in an approved scheme within 30 days
• Prescribed information served on the tenant
• How to Rent guide provided
• EPC provided
• Gas Safety Record provided
• EICR provided
• Right to Rent check completed

Gas safety

A Gas Safe registered engineer must check every gas appliance and flue annually under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and the tenant must be given a copy of the record. See hse.gov.uk/gas.

• Gas Safety Record in date
• Engineer Gas Safe registered
• Boiler serviced and working
• Gas hob and oven
• Gas fire and flue
• Ventilation to gas appliances clear
• Copy of the record given to the tenant

Electrical safety

An EICR must be carried out at least every 5 years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, with a copy given to the tenant.

• EICR in date and satisfactory
• Any remedial work completed and evidenced
• Consumer unit and RCD protection
• Sockets and switches undamaged
• No exposed or damaged wiring
• Supplied appliances tested
• Copy of the EICR given to the tenant

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, as amended in 2022, a smoke alarm is required on every storey used as living accommodation and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker.

• Smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation
• Carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance
• Every alarm tested and working at the start of the tenancy
• Alarms within their expiry date
• Tenant shown how to test the alarms

Energy performance

A valid EPC must be given to the tenant, and the property must meet the minimum energy efficiency standard.

• Valid EPC in place
• EPC rating meets the minimum standard
• Copy given to the tenant
• Heating controls and thermostat working