The Ultimate Renter’s Checklist

The Only Renter’s Checklist You’ll Need.

Ready to let? Here's how to move in with confidence, not chaos.

Budget beyond the rent.

Most agents use the 30x rent rule: your combined income must be 30 times the monthly rent. For example, you'll need to earn £30,000 a year to rent a £1,000 pcm property.

Once you've got rent sorted, plan for the extras:

• Holding deposit (one week’s rent — capped by law).
• Security deposit (up to five weeks’ rent maximum).
• Rent in advance (usually one month upfront).
• Moving costs (removals, cleaners, storage).
• Council tax, utilities, broadband and insurance.

Good to know: Council tax bands vary street by street. Check your banding with the local authority. A rent calculator can help plan costs.

Get ahead of the game.

Beat the rush by registering with local agents. They'll match you with properties that fit your criteria before they hit the portals.

Worth knowing: Talk to your agent about flexibility. A nearby postcode could give you the same style of home for less rent.

Don't judge a home by its cover.

At viewings, it's not all about the decor. Test the taps. Check the water pressure. Ask for the EPC rating.

Look out for:

• Signs of damp. Funny smells, flaky plaster, watermarked walls or ceilings.
• Smoke alarms. Do they work? What about a burglar alarm and a carbon monoxide detector?
• Parking. Is there enough space? Do you have to pay for a parking permit?
• Security. Does the property feel secure?
• Noise. How bad is the traffic? Do the walls seem thin?

Good to know: If you ask, a landlord must disclose historic issues with damp or mould.

Read. Read. And read again.

Tenancy agreements are binding. Before you sign, check break clauses, repair responsibilities, and notice periods carefully. Look out for anything that sounds unclear or one-sided. There's no such thing as a bad question.

Top tip: Keep yourself up to date with the Renters' Rights Act. Your landlord may miss out on legislation which could affect your agreement if they aren't on a managed service. For example, deposits must now be in a government-approved scheme.

Check before you regret.

Don't fancy paying the last tenant's bills? On day 1, take meter readings. Call utility providers. When you move, suppliers may stick you on their most expensive tariff by default. Ask if you can move to a cheaper plan.

Start snapping.

Take photos of every room. Record chips and marks. If there are any discrepancies from the inventory, speak up. Doing this helps protect you from possible money disputes.

Top tip: Email the photos to yourself and the agent on move-in day. The timestamp adds more protection.

Better safe than sorry. Additional checks:

• What furniture and appliances are included? Ask about their age and condition.
• Does the landlord have insurance that covers accidental damage to things they own? If not, you might want to consider accidental damage cover.
• How well do you know the area? Stop by at different times and days of the week. Do you like the local amenities? How is the commute to work?
• Do you have the right references? Many agents will ask for financial and credit checks. Plus, a reference from your employer.

Register with our database to find your next home. We’ll send you rental properties that match your needs. More time, less hassle.