Before you move into a new rental home in Wales, it's vital to thoroughly inspect the property. Carefully checking your new flat or house helps ensure any issues are recorded before you start your tenancy, protecting both your rights and your deposit. This guide explains every key step for renters—using plain language and the latest guidance under Welsh law.
Why Inspecting Your Rental Home Matters
An inspection before moving in helps you:
- Spot any damages, repairs, or safety concerns before you are legally responsible
- Prevent future deposit disputes by documenting the property's initial condition
- Ensure your home meets health and safety requirements set out by Welsh legislation
Preparing for Your Property Inspection
Before your move-in date, arrange a convenient time with your landlord or letting agent to complete a walkthrough. If you can, ask for an inventory report or schedule a joint inspection.
What to Bring
- Camera or smartphone for photos/videos
- Notepad or inspection checklist (paper or digital)
- A friend or witness for extra support (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step: What to Check During Your Move-In Inspection
Go through each room carefully. Pay attention to the following areas:
- Doors & Windows: Check for locks, keys, and working mechanisms. Ensure they open, close, and lock securely.
- Walls, Ceilings & Floors: Note any cracks, damp, mould, peeling paint, or stains.
- Heating & Electric: Test lights, sockets, central heating, and any appliances provided. Confirm the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
- Plumbing: Test taps, toilets, showers and look for leaks, water pressure issues, or signs of damage.
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Check that they are present, tested, and working (these are required by law).
- Kitchen & Appliances: Inspect all provided white goods such as fridges, ovens, washing machines. Note their condition and functionality.
- Furniture & Inventory (if furnished): Make sure all listed items are present and note their wear and tear.
- Outdoor Areas: Check gardens, sheds, fences, and gates for condition and safety.
What to Do if You Spot Problems
- Make a written note on the inventory or create a signed, detailed list of your findings
- Send your photos/videos to your landlord or agent, keeping a dated record
- Discuss and agree on repairs or cleaning that the landlord will address
Report urgent safety issues (like exposed wiring or missing alarms) immediately—these should be fixed before you move in.
Relevant Forms for Renters in Wales
- Inventory/Check-in Report (no official number): While not formally required by law, an inventory is vital. It describes the contents and condition of the property when you move in. You can download templates or request one from your landlord. If no inventory is provided, you can make your own and send it to your landlord for signature. See advice from the official Renting Homes Wales tenant guidance.
- Deposit Protection Prescribed Information: Your deposit must be protected and you must receive prescribed information within 30 days via a government-approved scheme like DPS, mydeposits, or TDS. If not received, ask your landlord to provide it—this information protects your rights if there's a dispute later on.
- Fitness for Human Habitation Checklist: Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, the property must be 'fit for human habitation.' Guidance on what this covers can be found on the Welsh Government housing site.
Keeping these forms organised will help you if you ever need to raise an issue or defend against unfair deposit deductions.
What If Your Landlord Won't Agree to Repairs?
If your landlord does not respond to reasonable requests about the property's initial condition, you may seek support from Rent Smart Wales or ultimately involve the independent tribunal for rented homes in Wales. The current tribunal handling tenancy disputes is the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
