Read the tenancy agreement carefully
A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract. Take time to read it before you sign — don't let
anyone pressure you into signing on the spot. Key things to check:
- Tenancy type — most private rentals in England are Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)
- Fixed term — how long the initial fixed term is (usually 6 or 12 months)
- Break clause — whether either party can end the tenancy before the fixed term expires, and on what notice
- Notice period — how much notice you must give to end the tenancy after the fixed term
- Permitted occupants — who is allowed to live at the property
- Pets, smoking, and subletting — any restrictions the landlord has included
- Rent review clause — whether and how the landlord can increase rent
- Repair responsibilities — what you're responsible for vs the landlord
If something is unclear, ask. You can request amendments before signing. Once both parties
have signed, changes require a formal deed of variation.
Your deposit
A tenancy deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of you
paying it. The three schemes in England are:
- Deposit Protection Service (DPS)
- MyDeposits
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
Your landlord must also provide you with "prescribed information" — a document detailing which scheme
holds your deposit and how to reclaim it at the end. If they fail to do this within 30 days, you can
apply to court for a penalty of 1–3× the deposit amount.
Deposit cap: For most tenancies the deposit is capped at 5 weeks' rent
(6 weeks if annual rent exceeds £50,000).
The check-in inventory
An inventory is a detailed record of the property's condition and contents at the start of your tenancy.
It's your primary protection against unfair deductions at the end.
- Go through it room by room. Don't rush — check every item listed against the actual condition.
- Photograph everything. Take dated photos of any existing damage, marks, or worn items. Send them to your landlord by email so there's a timestamped record.
- Note any discrepancies. If something is listed as "good condition" but isn't, say so in writing within the first 24–48 hours.
- Keep a copy. Make sure you have the signed inventory — you'll need it when you move out.
No inventory provided? Create your own. Walk through the property on day one, photograph everything,
and email it to your landlord with a note that you haven't received a formal inventory. This establishes the baseline condition.
Set up utilities and redirect your post
On or before your move-in date, work through this list:
- Take meter readings for gas and electricity on day one — photograph them
- Contact existing suppliers to register as the new occupant, or switch to a better deal
- Register for council tax at your new address — contact the local authority
- Update your address with your bank, employer, DVLA, HMRC, GP, and any other services
- Redirect your post via Royal Mail if moving from a previous address
- Register on the electoral roll at your new address — takes 5 minutes at gov.uk
- Set up broadband — order early as installations can take 1–2 weeks
Set up your rent payment
Pay rent by standing order (not direct debit) so you control the payment. Set it up a few days
before your first rent due date to allow for processing time.
Keep all rent payment records. If a dispute ever arises, bank statements showing on-time payments are
your strongest evidence.
Contents insurance
Your landlord's buildings insurance covers the structure and fixtures, but not your belongings.
Contents insurance covers your furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables against theft, fire, and water damage.
It's usually inexpensive and strongly recommended.
Some policies also include accidental damage cover for items belonging to the landlord (e.g. carpets, furniture) —
worth considering if the property is furnished.