Moving In Checklist

Tip: Your landlord has 30 days from receiving your deposit to protect it and provide you with prescribed information. If they don't, they cannot serve a valid Section 21 notice.

• —Check the notice period and break clause
• —Note any restrictions (pets, smoking, guests, subletting)
• —Understand your repair responsibilities vs the landlord's
• —Check the rent review clause

Tip: In England, landlords must provide: the EPC, Gas Safety Certificate, and the How to Rent guide before the tenancy starts.

• —Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• —Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
• —Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• —How to Rent guide (England only)
• —Deposit protection certificate and prescribed information

Tip: You can set this up online at royalmail.com. It takes 5 working days to activate, so plan ahead.

Tip: Your landlord's building insurance does not cover your belongings. Some policies also cover accidental damage to the landlord's fixtures, which can protect your deposit.

• —Bank and credit cards
• —DVLA (driving licence and vehicle registration)
• —GP surgery and dentist
• —Electoral register (register at your new address to maintain your credit score)
• —Employer and pension provider
• —HMRC if self-employed

Tip: Use Ofgem's price comparison tool or sites like Uswitch. If the property has a prepayment meter, ask your new supplier about switching to a credit meter.

Tip: Order at least 2 weeks in advance — some providers need an engineer visit which can take time to book.

Tip: Get at least three quotes and check reviews. Book well in advance — the end of the month is always the busiest time for moves.

Tip: Photograph walls, floors, ceilings, windows, fixtures, and any existing damage. Email them to yourself so they are timestamped. This is your best protection when it comes to getting your deposit back.

Tip: Photograph each meter showing the reading clearly. Send readings to your energy supplier on the same day.

Tip: If the landlord provides an inventory, go through it carefully and note anything you disagree with. If no inventory is provided, create your own with photos — this protects you at check-out.

• —Front door keys
• —Back door or garden access keys
• —Window keys
• —Mailbox key
• —Garage or shed keys
• —Communal door fobs or codes

Tip: Landlords in England are legally required to have working smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances. Since October 2022, this extends to rooms with gas appliances too.

Tip: Know where these are before you need them in an emergency. The stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink.

• —Oven and hob
• —Fridge and freezer
• —Washing machine
• —Dishwasher (if provided)
• —Extractor fans

Tip: Always use email or the agent's portal so you have a written record with a date stamp.

Tip: You can usually do this online through your local council's website. If you are a full-time student or live alone, you may be entitled to a discount or exemption.

Tip: You can find your nearest GP accepting new patients on the NHS website (nhs.uk).

Tip: This is important for your credit score as well as your right to vote. Register at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Tip: Pay by bank transfer or standing order so you have a clear record of payments. Avoid paying in cash without a receipt.

Tip: Check if the property has a water meter. If not, you pay a fixed rate based on the rateable value of the property.

Tip: Most councils have a postcode lookup tool that tells you your exact collection days and which bins to put out when.

Tip: Building a good relationship with neighbours is helpful — they can keep an eye on the property and let you know about local issues.

• —Landlord or letting agent emergency line
• —Gas emergency: 0800 111 999 (National Gas Emergency Service)
• —Water company emergency number
• —Local police non-emergency: 101
• —NHS non-emergency: 111