Moving-In Checklist for Tenants in England

Moving into a rental property in England is an important step. Before collecting the keys, check that you have the main tenancy documents and safety records. On move-in day, record the property’s condition, test the alarms and take meter readings.

This tenant move-in checklist explains what to check before moving in, which documents to request, how to protect yourself from deposit disputes and where to find help if you cannot resolve a tenancy issue.

What to Check Before You Move In

Keep a written record of the information and documents you receive. If anything is missing or unclear, ask your landlord or letting agent in writing and keep a copy of your request.

• Review and keep your tenancy agreement. Check the names, property address, tenancy start date and rent. Most private renters in England will typically have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), governed by the Housing Act 1988.
Keep a signed copy of the tenancy agreement. If anything is missing or unclear, ask for amendments in writing and save the response for future reference.
• Check your deposit protection. Ask whether the deposit will be protected in a government-approved scheme and request proof together with the Prescribed Information. Your landlord must use an authorised service such as one listed by the UK government.
• Request the Gas Safety Record, also called Form CP12. If the property has gas appliances, your landlord must provide the record before you move in. It confirms that the gas appliances have been checked.
• Check the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Rented homes must have their electrics inspected at least every 5 years, and you should receive a copy before the tenancy begins.

• Make sure you receive the How to Rent guide. This official government handbook must be provided as a printed or digital copy before the tenancy starts. You can read it on the How to Rent guide page.
• Request the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Landlords cannot legally rent a property rated below E.
• Check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Look for working smoke alarms and, if required, carbon monoxide alarms. Landlords must provide these and test that they are working at the start of the tenancy.

Checking these documents before moving in can help you identify missing information early and keep a record of what your landlord or agent has provided.

Documenting the Property Condition

A detailed record of the property’s condition can help if there is a later disagreement about damage or your deposit.

• Review the inventory or check-in report. This is a list of the property’s contents and condition and may include photographs. Check every room and item, and add your own notes where the report is incomplete or inaccurate.
• Arrange a walk-through with your landlord or agent. Look for damage or missing items before signing the inventory. Take dated photographs or videos as additional evidence.
• Keep your evidence together. Save the inventory, photographs, videos and emails in one place so you can refer to them later.

Key Official Forms and Documents (England)

Use this list to check that you know which documents apply to your property:

• Gas Safety Record (CP12): This confirms annual gas appliance checks. If the property has a boiler, your landlord provides the CP12 before move-in. Further information is available from the Health and Safety Executive site.
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): This concerns the property’s fixed electrical installations. If sockets or wiring are outdated, the EICR will note needed repairs. See the requirements on the official government page.
• How to Rent guide: This is the official government leaflet for renting in England. Agents and landlords must provide it before the tenancy. Download the latest version here.
• Deposit Prescribed Information: Your landlord must give you written details of how your deposit is protected within 30 days of receiving it. Read the official information about deposit protection.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Request a copy before or at the start of your tenancy and keep it with your other property documents.

On Move-In Day: Actions to Take

When you collect the keys, work through these steps before you unpack:

• Collect missing documents. Ask for copies of the safety certificates, EPC and How to Rent guide if they have not already been provided.
• Check the inventory carefully. Record disagreements, damage or missing items in writing immediately.
• Take meter readings. Record the gas, water and electricity readings and send them to your landlord and utility providers to help avoid future billing issues.
• Test the alarms. Check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and record any problem you find.
• Photograph the condition of the property. Take dated photographs or videos of each room, fixtures and any existing damage.

Keep copies of your move-in records, emails and photographs. These records can help protect your deposit and make later disagreements easier to explain.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenancy Disputes?

In England, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) oversees disputes about rent, deposits or property standards. If your landlord does not meet legal requirements after clear communication, this tribunal is identified on this page as the next recourse.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation in England

Move-in rights and obligations described on this page include the Housing Act 1988, which is the main law for private tenancies in England, and the Housing Act 2004, which covers deposit protection, together with other related regulations.

Move-In Checklist: Quick Answers

1. What should I do if I have not received the How to Rent guide?
   Ask your landlord or letting agent to provide the latest version before you sign the agreement. Keep your request and any response in writing.
2. Can I refuse to move in if the gas safety certificate is not provided?
   The page states that your landlord must provide the certificate before move-in. Without it, the tenancy may be invalid or unsafe, so request it formally in writing.
3. How do I check that my deposit is protected?
   Your landlord must place the deposit in a government-backed scheme within 30 days and provide the prescribed information. Check the status at the official government site.
4. What if the inventory does not match the property’s condition?
   Take photographs and make written notes, then share them with your landlord immediately. Keep your own dated copies.
5. Who can I contact if I cannot resolve a dispute with my landlord?
   For most property disputes, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is the appropriate body in England.

Key Takeaways

• Check your tenancy agreement, deposit protection information, safety certificates, EPC and How to Rent guide before moving in.
• Review the inventory and use dated photographs, videos and written notes to record the property’s condition.
• On move-in day, take meter readings, test alarms and report missing items or damage in writing.
• The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is the tribunal identified for tenancy disputes in England.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• GOV.UK: Private Renting Information: In-depth guides for England’s tenants.
• Shelter England Housing Advice: Free advice and urgent help for renters.
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber): Submit or check on tenancy dispute cases.

1. See the Housing Act 1988 (Governs most private tenancies in England)
2. Read tenancy deposit protection rules on Housing Act 2004, Part 6, Chapter 4
3. Official government guide: How to Rent: The Checklist for Renting in England
4. Deposit protection information: What your landlord must do
5. Health and Safety Executive gas safety rights: See official HSE guidance