Essential Tips for Moving into Your New Rental Home

04/14/2026 Vanessa - Thrive and Save Comments 0 Comment

Moving into a new rental home is both exciting and a little overwhelming. There’s the thrill of a fresh start, but also a long list of things to organise, check, and plan. With approximately 4.7 million households privately renting across the UK—around 19% of all households—many people are navigating the same challenges of settling into a new place while keeping costs and stress under control.

This post breaks down the essential things to think about before and after moving in, helping to make the transition smoother, more organised, and less stressful. From preparing for move-in day to setting up utilities and understanding tenancy responsibilities, these tips aim to make a new rental feel like home as quickly and easily as possible.

Before You Search

Start by figuring out what you really NEED versus what you’d LIKE to have.

Below are some questions to ask yourself.

What budget do you have per month?
Where will your location be? Is the location good for work/college?
Are there good schools nearby if you have children?
Do you rely on public transport – if so, is there something nearby?
Do you regularly use a convenience shop? Is there a good one close?
Do you have the necessary documents ready? Letting agency will want to confirm identity, immigration status, credit history, and possibly employment status.
Some landlords require a rent guarantor. (This is someone who agrees to take responsibility for the tenant to pay their rent.)
Do you need parking?
How much space do you need?
Can you deal with noise? (the house could be on a busy road)
Do you require a ground-floor flat due to health reasons?
Do you have a pet?
Will you want a furnished or unfurnished house/flat?

With this information, make yourself a wish list. Then start your search on websites, social media groups and local listings of estate agents. When you visit the property, inspect it carefully.

During Viewings

Things to look at when inspecting the property.

Research the letting agent, check what reviews they have.
Based on your answers from “questions to ask yourself, physically check the things you need. For example, if you need a shop near you, check that the shop is open and hasn’t closed down. Don’t rely on the internet.
Are the windows working and in good condition?
Check that the front door is in good condition, and look at the condition of the locks.
Look for any signs of damp or mould.
Check the light switches and running water.

Questions to ask the letting agent

When can you move in?
Check the amount of rent and how often.
Is the flat furnished or unfurnished?
Are any utilities included in the rent?
What is the deposit amount, and where will it be held?
What is the length of the tenancy, and can it be renewed?
Is there a service charge?
Ask about the rules regarding smoking and pets if that matters to you.
Can you decorate, paint, or hang pictures?
Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
Does it have a security system, and is it monitored?
Can you install your own security system?
What type of heating does the home have?
Does the flat/house have a valid gas safety certificate and electrical safety report?
Are smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed and working?
Has the property had an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment?
Where is the boiler, stopcock, and where are the meters located?

Budget breakdown

Before you can move in you will need to prepare for the costs of moving.

Holding deposit – A holding deposit in the UK is the money you give to a landlord or letting agent to secure a property while they check your references and background. It puts the property on hold for you and is legally limited to one week’s rent at most.
Rent in advance – Usually 1 full month’s rent paid before moving in. If you have a low credit score, they may request multiple months upfront.
Tenancy deposit – By law, there are restrictions on how much a landlord can charge you. In England and Wales, it’s capped at 5 weeks’ rent (or 6 weeks if the annual rent is £50,000 or more). In Scotland, it’s capped at a maximum of 2 months’ rent. In Northern Ireland, it’s capped at 1 month’s rent.
Removal van or movers – This varies due to the size of your property; the distance you are travelling and how many people are needed. A man and a van service range from around £200 to £400.
Packeting materials – moving boxes are around £2-5 per box. But you can ask at supermarkets or your local shop if they have any for free.

Red flags to watch for

What should make you walk away from a rented property?

Don’t send money upfront just to secure a viewing. That’s a common scam.
Be cautious if the landlord avoids questions about how they’ll protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme.
Also, relying only on a verbal agreement puts you at risk. Make sure you get a written contract before moving in.
Dampness, mould, and that fresh paint smell can be a big warning sign. If you notice mould or a musty odour, definitely be cautious. Freshly painted walls with a damp smell might be hiding leaks or water issues.
Check for any large cracks in the brickwork or walls, whether they’re stepped or diagonal—that could mean structural damage.
Keep an ear out for any scratching noises in the walls, and check for droppings in cabinets and attics; that could point to pests or vermin.
Landlords are required to provide important documents like an Energy Performance Certificate, a Gas Safety Certificate, and an Electrical Installation Condition Report. If they hesitate or make excuses about showing these, move on.

The charity Shelter has a checklist to help you view a property.

Shelter.org.uk

Before Signing

Review the lease

Read the lease carefully and ask any questions if you are unsure. Don’t sign until you understand everything.

Pay the deposit and rent

Once approved, pay the deposit and first month’s rent, and always get receipts or something in writing that proves you have paid, the amount and the date.

Moving-In Week

Things to do in the first week

Do a quick inspection to check that the electricity, water, gas, and heating are working.
Check that the windows and doors lock properly.
Take photographs of the apartment before moving in for your records. (Keep this for when you move out, in case of any issues between you and the letting agent)
Give the place a quick clean.
Start to unpack.
Take meter readings and photograph them as proof.
Set up the utilities in your name.
Then set yourself the task of changing your address with banks, doctors, dentists, etc.

After all that hard work, definitely take some time to celebrate your new home. Grab that bottle of wine from the kitchen or open up a fizzy drink if booze isn’t your thing. Order your favourite takeaway – pizza, curry, or fish and chips and kick back on the sofa with your feet up and enjoy.

The links below have lots of advice on housing.

Please let me know in the comments section if you have any additional tips on moving into a new rental home. What surprised you most when you moved into your first rental?