Move-in
Move-in is the point a new tenant takes possession of your property and the tenancy agreement becomes “real” in day-to-day practice. For landlords, it’s the moment to lock in compliance, set expectations, and create the evidence you’ll rely on if there are housing disputes, repairs issues, or deposit deductions later.
Start with the mandatory “start of tenancy” paperwork. Government guidance says you must provide an up-to-date How to Rent guide, an EPC, and a gas safety certificate. You should also have a valid EICR (i.e. electrical safety report) and give the tenant proof of property inspection/testing where required. If the tenancy is in England, complete right to rent checks before the tenancy begins and keep the evidence.
Money handling needs to be watertight. If you take a tenancy deposit, it must be placed into deposit protection and you must give the required prescribed information within 30 days of receiving it. Make it clear how rent is paid, what counts as late, and where the tenant should message you for reporting a repair (see our maintenance reporting feature in August).
Condition and evidence come next. Do a robust inventory and check-in report, including meter readings, keys, photos, appliance lists. Confirm the agreed property condition, and give practical “how to live here” notes. This should cover stopcock location, ventilation guidance, bin days, etc. Explain access rules, including how you’ll give written notice and agree reasonable times for inspections or repairs, respecting quiet enjoyment.
The Renters’ Rights Act shifts the operating model. Most private lets move to an open-ended periodic tenancy (within the assured tenancy framework) and Section 21 notice is abolished, so strong move-in documentation and communication matter even more if issues later require Section 8 notice and grounds for possession.
Also see our landlord blog articles, including:
