Move-in checklist for UK tenancies
A check-in inventory and schedule of condition for UK rental properties, built for landlords and letting agents to record condition at the start of a tenancy and support any later deposit claim.
Instructions
Complete this together with the tenant at check-in and have both parties sign it. Protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days and serve the prescribed information and required documents.
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
Run your Move-in on your phone
Start from this template in the myInspections app, work through each area, and capture photos and video as you go.
Consistent, professional reports
Share a secure link that opens in any browser, or download a polished PDF.
Ditch the paper on your next inspection.
Finish the report before you get back to the car.