Moving in

At the start of your tenancy there are several things you need to do.

Taking the following steps now will help you avoid incurring additional costs later on.

Check the property

The first thing you should do when you get the keys to the property is take a look around the house to make sure there aren't any obvious problems or damage. If you find any, you should make a note of it and tell your landlord or managing agency or immediately. This will ensure you don't get charged later for damage that was not your fault. 

Check and return your inventory

Your landlord or managing agency should provide you with an inventory, which is a list detailing the condition of the property and its contents before you moved into the house. Any damage should be noted on the inventory.

Taking the time to check your property and its contents against the inventory is very important, as this is your opportunity to highlight any damage that hasn't been recorded. You will often do this with the landlord or agent.

If there is anything not noted on the inventory make a note of it, taking photos if necessary. If there are any disputes at the end of the tenancy you will then have proof of the condition of items at the beginning of the tenancy. Ensure that you return a signed copy of the inventory to the landlord and keep a copy for your own records.

Set up your utilities

Find out where the gas, electricity and water meters are and take readings as soon as you move in. You may or may not have a water meter. Check with the landlord or water company if you are not sure.

You will usually be responsible for paying for utilities such as gas, electricity and water. You must set up an account with each supplier. You should be able to get the details of the current supplier from the landlord or agency. Contact the supplier with the appropriate meter reading and ask to set up an account. It is a good idea to shop around before selecting a supplier.

Agree how the bills are going to be paid. If you are on a joint tenancy it is very important to set up the account in all of your names so you are equally liable.

You might have a key or prepayment meter. In this case you will still need to set up an account in your name(s). You can charge the key or card in any shop bearing the PayPoint symbol. .

It’s a good idea to find out where the master switches are for the gas and electricity and the stop cock for the water. You might need them if there is a leak or electrical fault. 

Learn when your rubbish and recycling days are

When you move in, make sure that you find out when the rubbish and recycling collection days are for your street. This information will be on your local authority website.