Move-in checklist for UK tenancies

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

• Front door No issues Requires attention
• Lock and hardware No issues Requires attention
• Doorbell No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention
• Radiators No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention
• Cupboards No issues Requires attention
• Sink and worktops No issues Requires attention
• Oven and hob No issues Requires attention
• Fridge freezer No issues Requires attention
• Extractor fan No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention
• Mirror and cabinet No issues Requires attention
• Bath No issues Requires attention
• Shower No issues Requires attention
• Wash basin No issues Requires attention
• Toilet No issues Requires attention
• Extractor fan No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention
• Washing machine No issues Requires attention
• Utility sink No issues Requires attention

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention
• Wardrobe No issues Requires attention

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

• Handrail No issues Requires attention
• Treads and risers No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

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

• Bins and bin store No issues Requires attention
• Locks No issues Requires attention
• Insulation No issues Requires attention
• Smoke alarms present and working No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Door and remote No issues Requires attention

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

• External walls and paintwork No issues Requires attention
• Gutters and downpipes No issues Requires attention

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

• Lawns and gardens No issues Requires attention
• Fencing No issues Requires attention
• Washing line No issues Requires attention
• Letterbox No issues Requires attention

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

• Loft hatch and ladder No issues Requires attention
• Insulation depth No issues Requires attention
• Signs of water ingress No issues Requires attention
• Pest activity No issues Requires attention
• Water tank and pipework lagged No issues Requires attention

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

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

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

• Communal entrance and door entry No issues Requires attention
• Stairs and handrails No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention
• Bin store No issues Requires attention
• Fire doors and escape routes clear No issues Requires attention

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

• Allocated space or driveway No issues Requires attention
• Surface condition No issues Requires attention
• Garage door and remote No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

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

List inventory of furniture and contents provided by the landlord.

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

• Number of keys supplied No issues Requires attention
• Spare keys No issues Requires attention
• Garage remote No issues Requires attention
• Letterbox key No issues Requires attention

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

• Gas meter reading No issues Requires attention
• Electricity meter reading No issues Requires attention
• Water meter reading No issues Requires attention

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 No issues Requires attention
• Prescribed information served on the tenant No issues Requires attention
• How to Rent guide provided No issues Requires attention
• EPC provided No issues Requires attention
• Gas Safety Record provided No issues Requires attention
• EICR provided No issues Requires attention
• Right to Rent check completed No issues Requires attention

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 No issues Requires attention
• Engineer Gas Safe registered No issues Requires attention
• Boiler serviced and working No issues Requires attention
• Gas hob and oven No issues Requires attention
• Gas fire and flue No issues Requires attention
• Ventilation to gas appliances clear No issues Requires attention
• Copy of the record given to the tenant No issues Requires attention

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

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 No issues Requires attention
• Carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance No issues Requires attention
• Every alarm tested and working at the start of the tenancy No issues Requires attention
• Alarms within their expiry date No issues Requires attention
• Tenant shown how to test the alarms No issues Requires attention

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

• Valid EPC in place No issues Requires attention
• EPC rating meets the minimum standard No issues Requires attention
• Copy given to the tenant No issues Requires attention
• Heating controls and thermostat working No issues Requires attention