Tenant Move-In Checklist: Everything to Check on Your First Day
Your first day in a new rental is not the time to relax — it is the time to inspect. This practical checklist covers utilities, appliances, keys, safety, and property condition so you start your tenancy with a complete, documented record.
Start your free report ↓What to bring on move-in day
- Your tenancy agreement — so you can check what was promised
- A phone with a charged battery — for photos
- A pen and notebook or this tool open on your phone
- A phone charger — to test sockets
- Someone to help — a second pair of eyes catches what you miss
Utilities checklist
Meter readings — photograph all on day one
- Gas meter — read and photograph
- Electricity meter — read and photograph
- Water meter (if applicable) — read and photograph
- Confirm meter serial numbers match your lease documents
- Contact utility providers to register your tenancy start date
Heating and hot water
- Boiler — located, turned on, instruction manual present
- Radiators or heaters — working in all rooms
- Hot water — runs hot within a reasonable time
- Thermostat — working, test a cycle
Electrical
- Consumer unit / fuse box — located, labelled
- All sockets — test at least one per room with a charger
- Light switches — all working
- Any sockets that spark or buzz — note and report immediately
Water and plumbing
- Water pressure — adequate at all taps and showers
- All drains — flowing freely
- Stop cock / shut-off valve — located (important for emergencies)
- No visible leaks under sinks or around pipes
Keys and access
- All keys received — front door, back door, communal entrance, post box
- All keys tested in their locks
- Fob or key card (if applicable) — working on main entrance
- Garage or parking space access confirmed
- Number of keys matches lease agreement
Safety checklist
- Smoke alarms — test every one, note locations
- Carbon monoxide detector — present near boiler or gas appliances, working
- Fire blanket (if provided) — present in kitchen
- Fire escape route — identify and clear
- Gas safety certificate — provided by landlord (required annually in UK)
- Electrical safety certificate — provided (required in UK)
Property condition — room by room
After checking utilities and safety, walk every room and document the condition using this tool. Focus on:
- Walls — any existing marks, holes, or stains
- Floors — scratches, stains, damaged tiles
- Windows and doors — working locks and handles
- Appliances — working and in expected condition
- Fixtures — lights, taps, showers all functional
Before you leave on day one
- Report any issues to your landlord in writing — same day
- Attach your condition report and photos to the email
- Store copies in cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud)
- Do not sign any landlord inventory you disagree with without noting your objections
Frequently asked questions
Document it and report it to your landlord in writing on the same day. Depending on the severity, you may be entitled to a rent reduction or repairs before fully moving in. Do not let issues go unreported just because the move-in is already in progress.
Yes, if possible. A friend or family member who accompanies you can confirm what you saw. Their presence also tends to discourage disputes later — "I was there and the crack was definitely already there" is useful.
Photograph it immediately before cleaning anything. Then report it to your landlord in writing with photos. The cleanliness level on your arrival is your baseline — you should not have to leave it cleaner than you found it.