The Tenant's Moving Checklist

Work out your full move-in budget

Renting usually means paying the first month's rent and a tenancy deposit up front, plus a holding deposit to reserve the property. Add moving costs and the first round of bills, and you'll know what you can comfortably afford before you start viewing.

Be clear on what you're looking for

Area, number of bedrooms, budget, move-in date, furnished or unfurnished, parking and whether you have pets. Knowing your priorities keeps your search focused and helps the agent match you to the right homes quickly.

Gather your identification and documents

Photo ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of your current address are usually needed, along with what's required for Right to Rent. Having these ready means you can apply the moment you find the right place.

Get your references and proof of income in order

Referencing typically looks at your income, employment and rental history. Line up recent payslips (or accounts if you're self-employed), bank statements and a previous-landlord contact so you can supply them without delay.

Sort a guarantor if you're likely to need one

If your income or references don't quite meet the threshold — common for students or those new to renting — a guarantor can bridge the gap. Ask them early, as they'll usually need to be referenced and sign the agreement too.

Pay the holding deposit to reserve the property

A holding deposit (capped at one week's rent) takes the property off the market while referencing is completed. Ask what happens to it — it's normally put towards your first rent or deposit — and in what circumstances it could be retained.

Complete referencing and provide what's asked promptly

The faster you supply your documents and your referees respond, the faster the tenancy can proceed. Chasing your own references along can save days.

Read the tenancy agreement carefully before you sign

Check the rent, the deposit, the length of the term, notice periods, who's responsible for what, and any clauses on pets, redecoration or bills. Ask about anything you don't understand — once you sign, you're bound by it.

Confirm your deposit is protected in an approved scheme

In England, your deposit must be placed in a government-approved protection scheme within the required timeframe, and you must be given the prescribed information. Keep the confirmation safe — it matters at the end of the tenancy.

Make sure you receive the How to Rent guide and key documents

Your landlord or agent should provide the current edition of the government's How to Rent guide, the property's EPC, the gas safety certificate and the electrical report. Keep copies — they set out your rights and the property's safety standards.

Complete the Right to Rent check

In England, landlords and agents must check that everyone aged 18 or over has the right to rent before the tenancy begins. Have your documents ready, or complete the online check if you're using a share code.

Review the inventory and check-in report

The inventory records the property's condition and contents at the start of the tenancy. Read it carefully, note anything that's missing or already damaged with dated photographs, and raise it before or at check-in — this is your evidence at the end.

Take and record opening meter readings

Photograph the gas, electricity and water meters on the day you move in and keep the readings. They mark the start of your responsibility and stop you being billed for the previous tenant's usage.

Set up your utilities, council tax and broadband

Tell the energy and water suppliers you've moved in (or set up new accounts), register for council tax with the local council unless your tenancy includes it, and book your broadband early as installations can take a few weeks.

Arrange contents insurance for your belongings

Your landlord insures the building, but not your possessions. A contents policy covers your own furniture, electronics and belongings against things like theft, fire and flood — worth having from day one.

Set up a Royal Mail redirection from your old address

A redirection catches post you've forgotten to update. It can take a few working days to start, so arrange it ahead of the move rather than on the day.

Update your address with everyone who matters

Bank, employer, the DVLA (licence and V5C), insurers, subscriptions and loyalty schemes. A quick list now saves a lot of chasing later.

Collect the keys and check you have every set

Make sure you receive keys for all the doors and windows, plus any fobs, garage or shed keys. Confirm how to contact your landlord or agent for anything you need.

Check the property against the inventory

Walk the home with the inventory and confirm it reflects the actual condition. Note any discrepancy in writing straight away — agreeing the starting condition now avoids a dispute over the deposit later.

Take your own dated photographs throughout

Photograph every room, any existing marks or wear, and the meters. A thorough set of timestamped photos on move-in day is the simplest protection you have if there's ever a disagreement at check-out.

Find the stopcock, fuse board, meters and how things work

Locate the water stopcock, the consumer unit, the meters and the boiler controls, and check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work. Report anything that isn't working to your landlord or agent promptly.

Register with a local GP, dentist and optician

Sorting this before you need it is far easier than in a hurry. If you've moved out of area, you'll usually need to register afresh rather than stay with your old practice.

Register to vote at your new address

Update the electoral roll at the new property. It only takes a few minutes and also supports your credit profile, which can matter for future references and borrowing.

Confirm how and when to pay the rent

Set up your standing order or payment method for the rent so it's never late, and keep a record of what you pay. Know exactly who to contact for repairs or questions — your landlord or the managing agent.

Keep your tenancy paperwork together in one place

The signed agreement, the deposit protection certificate, the inventory, your move-in photos and the safety certificates. Having them to hand makes any query — or the end of the tenancy — far simpler.

Introduce yourself to the neighbours

A friendly hello early on is the start of feeling settled — and neighbours are often the best source of local knowledge about bin days, parking and the area.