The Essential Tenancy Commencement Checklist
Beginning a tenancy can be both an exhilarating and daunting experience.
Amidst the multitude of considerations, it is easy to neglect crucial inspections that are necessary to secure the return of your deposit at the conclusion of your tenancy.
To assist you in achieving a seamless rental experience and to ensure that no detail is overlooked, we present our indispensable rental moving-in checklist. This guide encompasses all the actions you must undertake as a tenant upon moving in.
Ensure the Security of Your Deposit
Verify that your deposit is held in one of the recognised tenancy deposit schemes. It is advisable to request a receipt from your landlord indicating where the deposit has been stored.
Thoroughly Inspect the Inventory
Attend the inventory check conducted by the landlord. Carefully review the listed items and their recorded conditions. If you receive the inventory upon arrival, meticulously examine each item and highlight any discrepancies. Document everything and take photographs if possible.
This concerns your deposit, so ensure you are fully aware of the property's condition when you move in. This step is crucial and often overlooked.
Test Smoke Alarms
Confirm the functionality of all smoke alarms before occupying the property. It is your responsibility to test these devices and ensure they are in proper working order.
Inspect Plumbing Fixtures
Operate all taps and flush toilets throughout the property to ensure they function correctly.
Examine Fixtures and Fittings
Check all light switches, bulbs, cupboard doors, and shelves for faults or weaknesses. Record the condition of carpets and walls.
Take Meter Readings
Record and file your meter readings to avoid being charged for the previous tenant's energy usage.
Review Energy Supplier Options
Consider changing your energy supplier if necessary. You are not obligated to remain with the current supplier and may benefit from a more cost-effective option.
Locate Essential Utilities
Familiarise yourself with the location of the stopcock, fuse box, and thermostat upon moving in. Knowing their positions will be beneficial in the future.
Understand Waste Collection
Determine the collection days for rubbish and recycling, and note the expected collection times.
Obtain Necessary Certificates
Ensure you have an up-to-date gas safety certificate, which your landlord is legally required to provide at the start of your tenancy. Also, request an energy performance certificate from your landlord.
Know Your Landlord
Ensure you have your landlord's name and contact information. You will likely need to communicate with them during your tenancy, and having this information readily available will save you time and effort. If managed by an agent, ensure their efficiency.
Keep Important Contacts
Maintain a document or file with essential contact numbers, including those for your landlord, agent, service providers, and insurance companies.
Secure Insurance
Plans Obtain contents insurance from the day you move in to protect your possessions. It is also acceptable to request proof of the landlord's building insurance.
Update Your Contacts
Inform friends and family of your new address to ensure they can reach you at your new home.
Understand Your Rights
Familiarise yourself with your rights as a tenant and understand the obligations of your landlord. Ensure that these obligations are met appropriately.
Purchase a TV License
If you plan to watch nationally broadcast television, you will need a TV license. If you already possess one, transfer it to your new rental property.
Register to Vote
Register with your local council for council tax purposes, and ensure each adult in the household registers to vote.
Verify Your Council Tax Band
Check your council tax band to ensure it is correct, as many homes in the UK are incorrectly banded.
