Moving in or moving out of a rental property can be a stressful process for both tenants and landlords. With all the packing, paperwork, and logistics involved, it’s easy for important details to slip through the cracks. However, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding any disputes — especially when it comes to deposit returns!
In this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive moving-in and moving-out checklist, helping tenants and landlords stay organised, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure everything goes according to plan. Let’s get started!

Moving In: A Tenant’s Checklist
Moving into a new rental property is an exciting time, but there’s more to it than just unpacking boxes. Here’s what tenants should do before, during, and after moving in to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Before You Move In:
- Read the Tenancy Agreement
- Ensure you fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Pay particular attention to clauses about rent, deposits, maintenance, and utilities.
- Ask questions if anything is unclear. A good landlord or letting agent will be happy to help.
- Schedule Your Move-In Day
- Confirm the moving-in date and time with your landlord or letting agent. If you’re using a professional moving service, ensure they’re booked and have all the details.
- Check Your Inventory and Condition Report
- You should receive an inventory list and condition report when you move in, outlining the property’s condition and what’s included (appliances, furniture, etc.).
- Take note of any existing damage or issues and report them to the landlord or agent immediately to avoid being held responsible when you move out.
- Set Up Your Utilities and Services
- Arrange for the transfer or setup of utilities such as gas, electricity, water, and council tax. If the property is unfurnished, you may need to set up broadband and TV services as well.
- Keep a record of all meter readings on your move-in day and share them with your landlord or agent to avoid confusion over bills.
On Moving Day:
- Do a Final Property Inspection
- Walk through the property one more time with the landlord or agent. Ensure everything is in good condition and all the fixtures and fittings are working.
- Take photos of any existing damage or wear and tear for your records.
- Check the Inventory
- Make sure everything listed on the inventory is present and in the condition stated. If anything is missing or damaged, notify the landlord or agent immediately.
- Collect the Keys
- Make sure you receive all keys to the property (front door, back door, mailboxes, etc.), along with any fobs or access cards for communal areas.
- If there’s an issue with keys or locks, report it as soon as possible to prevent security issues.
- Take Photos for Your Records
- Before you move in any furniture, take photos of each room. This will serve as evidence of the property’s condition when you move out. This is especially helpful if there’s ever a dispute about the state of the property at the end of your tenancy.
After You Move In:
- Update Your Address
- Notify important services and organisations of your new address, including your bank, GP, and any subscriptions or services you’re using.
- Don’t forget to update your address with the Royal Mail to ensure you don’t miss any mail.
- Check the Inventory Regularly
- Throughout your tenancy, keep track of any changes or damages to the property and inform your landlord or agent in writing. It’s always best to be proactive to avoid disputes later on.
Moving Out: A Tenant’s Checklist
When it comes time to leave, you want to make sure you do everything by the book to ensure you get your deposit back. Here’s a detailed moving-out checklist to help tenants cover all the bases.
Before You Move Out:
- Give Proper Notice
- Review your tenancy agreement for the required notice period. If you don’t give enough notice, you may be liable for additional rent, and you risk damaging your relationship with your landlord.
- Check the Condition of the Property
- Take a look around the property to make sure it’s in the same condition as when you moved in. Review the inventory report and check for any damage or wear and tear.
- Clean thoroughly, paying attention to areas that often get overlooked, like oven interiors, behind furniture, and inside cupboards.
- Repair Any Damage
- If there are minor repairs needed, now is the time to take care of them. From filling small holes in the walls to replacing broken lightbulbs, the little things matter.
- If you’ve caused damage (accidentally or otherwise), be upfront about it with your landlord and offer to repair or pay for repairs.
- Schedule a Final Inspection with the Landlord/Agent
- Arrange for a final walkthrough with your landlord or letting agent to ensure everything is in order. Having both parties present will help resolve any potential issues before you leave.
- Remove All Your Belongings
- Don’t leave anything behind! Empty out all rooms, cupboards, and storage spaces. Check the garden and garage, too.
- Make sure you’ve returned all keys, access fobs, and any other property that belongs to the landlord.
On Moving Day:
- Clean the Property
- Clean the property to a high standard, including floors, windows, and all appliances. Consider hiring a professional cleaner to ensure everything is spotless.
- Remove all rubbish and leave the property as neat as possible.
- Final Meter Readings
- Take final meter readings for gas, electricity, and water, and inform the relevant utility companies. This will ensure you don’t pay for energy used after your tenancy ends.
- Return the Keys
- Make sure you return all keys and fobs to the landlord or agent. If anything is missing, be prepared to pay for replacements or re-keying.
- Get Your Deposit Back
- If you’ve followed all the rules and taken good care of the property, your landlord should return your deposit promptly.
- If there are any issues, such as damage or cleaning problems, discuss them with the landlord or agent and try to come to a fair agreement.
Moving Out: A Landlord’s Checklist
As a landlord, ensuring a smooth handover of the property is essential to avoid disputes with your tenant and ensure your property is left in good condition. Here’s what you should do when a tenant moves out:
- Review the Tenancy Agreement
- Check the terms regarding notice periods, cleaning, repairs, and the condition of the property. Make sure you’re aware of your obligations for returning the deposit.
- Conduct a Final Property Inspection
- Walk through the property with the tenant on move-out day to document the condition of the property. Use your original inventory and condition report for comparison.
- Take photos of any damage or issues for your records.
- Inspect the Property for Cleanliness and Damage
- Look for any unclean areas or signs of damage that go beyond normal wear and tear. It’s essential to be fair and transparent in your assessment.
- Return the Deposit Promptly (or Deduct for Damage)
- Once the property has been inspected and any repairs or cleaning are done, return the tenant’s deposit. If deductions are necessary, provide an itemised list of what’s being deducted and why.
Conclusion: Avoiding Disputes Over Deposits
Both tenants and landlords can take proactive steps to avoid disputes and ensure a smooth moving-in and moving-out process. For tenants, keeping the property in good condition, being thorough with cleaning, and following the proper moving-out procedures will increase the chances of getting your deposit back. For landlords, conducting a detailed inspection and being transparent about any damages or required repairs will go a long way in maintaining a good relationship with tenants.
By following these checklists, both parties can enjoy a hassle-free moving experience and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Happy moving! 🎉
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