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Signing the inventory

An inventory is a list of everything that the landlord has left in the rented property and the condition it is in (from the curtains to the cutlery). It is put together and signed at the start of your tenancy and benefits both you and your landlord - so that when you eventually move out you can get your deposit back, assuming everything is in order.

Arranging insurance

While insuring the building is usually the property owner’s responsibility, there are exceptions. So it is always best to check with the landlord before renting. In terms of your own possessions such as furniture and other belongings, you can take out contents insurance. Depending on the type of contents insurance you take out, you can cover against most events ranging from theft through to accidental damage.

Getting quotes from removal firms/van companies

Unless you can squeeze your possessions into the boot of your car, or have a friend with a van, you will likely need to arrange for somebody to move them.

Once you are in your new rented accommodation, there are a number of companies and institutions that you will want to inform straight away.

Download our handy checklist and tick them off as you contact them (PDF: 66KB)

In terms of your utilities, be sure to take the readings at your new property as soon as you move in, to make sure that you are not liable for any bills that remain outstanding from the previous owners.

What additional costs will I need to take into account?

Aside from the monthly rent, there might be additional costs and outgoings involved with renting a property including:

Refundable tenancy deposit

Most landlords or letting agents will require a deposit which is capped at five weeks’ rent (where the annual rent is less than £50,000) and six weeks’ rent (where the annual rent is more than £50,000).

Refundable holding deposit

This is sometimes requested to ‘hold’ the property. It must be capped at no more than one weeks’ rent.

Other prohibited fees

Since 1 June 2019 other upfront fees have been banned for new tenancies and will be completely banned from 1 June 2020.

Typically called ‘administration’, ‘letting’, or ‘viewing’ fees, these were quite common and could add hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of pounds to your upfront costs. If a landlord or letting agency is trying to charge you these types of fees you may need to contact your local Trading Standards authority or redress scheme.

Find out more about the ban on upfront fees.

Please note: This article was updated in November 2019 to include information relating to the ban in upfront fees.