What should I check before signing a tenancy agreement?

Before signing: verify the landlord owns or has permission to let the property; read the terms including any break clauses; check the deposit will be protected in a government-approved scheme; confirm which safety and energy documents apply; and inspect the home for hazards. The private rented Decent Homes Standard has not commenced. Get written holding-deposit terms before paying.

What should I document on move-in day?

Take dated, timestamped photographs and video of every room, including inside cupboards, under sinks, around windows, and any existing damage. Note the meter readings for gas, electricity, and water. Get the inventory checked and signed by both parties on day one. If you do not agree with anything in the inventory, note your objection in writing within 48 hours.

What are my repair rights during the tenancy?

Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords within its scope to keep the structure, exterior, and specified installations in repair. Sections 9A and 10 of that Act impose a fitness-for-human-habitation duty where they apply. Report defects in writing and keep a dated copy. The fixed Awaab's Law deadlines currently apply in social housing; the private-rented-sector phase has not commenced.

Can my landlord keep my deposit when I move out?

A landlord may claim evidenced loss for damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning needed to restore the move-in condition, or unpaid rent. A tenancy term cannot require you to buy a professional cleaning service. Compare check-in and check-out evidence and challenge disputed deductions through the deposit scheme's free ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) process.

How much notice does my landlord need to give before entering?

Your landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the property, and can only enter at a reasonable time. This right to quiet enjoyment is implied in all tenancy agreements by law. Repeated unannounced visits may constitute harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

What documents is my landlord legally required to give me?

Check the applicable gas safety certificate, Energy Performance Certificate and deposit scheme information. For a new private assured tenancy, the landlord must give the required key terms in writing; this need not be a full written tenancy agreement. Existing written tenancies generally required the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. Legacy Section 21 document rules need separate review.

Tenant checklist England 2026: know your rights at every stage

Published and maintained by the Get Renters Rights teamUpdated 29 September 2026Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026How we build these checkers

Direct answer

The safest tenancy checklist is date-led: check documents before moving in, keep proof of payments and repairs during the tenancy, and preserve move-out evidence. Each stage creates evidence that can matter later for deposits, rent increases, repairs, or eviction notices.

Prepare the documents for your next step

Record and check an upfront payment request

Before signing: verify the landlord identity, check the EPC rating (must be E or above), and confirm the deposit will go into a government-approved scheme within 30 days.

On move-in day: take timestamped photographs of every room, record all meter readings, and confirm you have received the gas safety certificate, EPC, and How to Rent guide.

During the tenancy: report all repairs in writing, check rent increase notices use the prescribed Section 13 form, and know your right to 24 hours notice before any landlord visit.

Moving out: do a pre-checkout walk-through, photograph every room on the final day, and use the deposit scheme free ADR process if deductions are unfair.

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Sources used for this guide

These are primary legislation and public guidance sources that support the legal-information framework used on this page.

Housing Act 1988
Primary statute for assured tenancies, Section 8 possession notices, Schedule 2 grounds, and legacy Section 21 rules.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
Primary statute for core landlord repair duties, including structure, exterior, installations, heating, water, gas, and sanitation.
Housing Act 2004
Primary statute for tenancy deposit protection, HMO licensing, and local authority housing hazard enforcement.
GOV.UK: tenancy deposit protection
Government guidance on deposit protection schemes, deadlines, prescribed information, and dispute routes.
GOV.UK: repairs in private renting
Government guidance on landlord repair responsibilities and what tenants can do when repairs are not carried out.

Section 21 abolished: what happens now?
The transition guide for pre-cutoff notices, the 1 May 2026 changeover, and when possession analysis switches to Section 8.
Tenant rights in England: complete guide
The main overview page linking eviction, repairs, deposit protection, rent increases, and illegal eviction rights together.
Renter questions answered
Plain-English answers to the most-asked questions from private renters in England: eviction, deposits, rent increases, repairs, illegal eviction, and pets.
Old rules vs new rules after May 2026
The side-by-side transition guide for Section 21, Section 8, rent increases, and periodic tenancies after 1 May 2026.
Renters' Rights Act 2026: complete guide
The main reform guide covering Section 21 abolition, Section 8, rent increases, pets, and private rented sector enforcement changes.

Common questions

What should I check before signing a tenancy agreement?: Before signing: verify the landlord owns or has permission to let the property; read the terms including any break clauses; check the deposit will be protected in a government-approved scheme; confirm which safety and energy documents apply; and inspect the home for hazards. The private rented Decent Homes Standard has not commenced. Get written holding-deposit terms before paying.
What should I document on move-in day?: Take dated, timestamped photographs and video of every room, including inside cupboards, under sinks, around windows, and any existing damage. Note the meter readings for gas, electricity, and water. Get the inventory checked and signed by both parties on day one. If you do not agree with anything in the inventory, note your objection in writing within 48 hours.
What are my repair rights during the tenancy?: Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords within its scope to keep the structure, exterior, and specified installations in repair. Sections 9A and 10 of that Act impose a fitness-for-human-habitation duty where they apply. Report defects in writing and keep a dated copy. The fixed Awaab's Law deadlines currently apply in social housing; the private-rented-sector phase has not commenced.
Can my landlord keep my deposit when I move out?: A landlord may claim evidenced loss for damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning needed to restore the move-in condition, or unpaid rent. A tenancy term cannot require you to buy a professional cleaning service. Compare check-in and check-out evidence and challenge disputed deductions through the deposit scheme's free ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) process.
How much notice does my landlord need to give before entering?: Your landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the property, and can only enter at a reasonable time. This right to quiet enjoyment is implied in all tenancy agreements by law. Repeated unannounced visits may constitute harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
What documents is my landlord legally required to give me?: Check the applicable gas safety certificate, Energy Performance Certificate and deposit scheme information. For a new private assured tenancy, the landlord must give the required key terms in writing; this need not be a full written tenancy agreement. Existing written tenancies generally required the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. Legacy Section 21 document rules need separate review.

Use the interactive checker on getrentersrights.com for the full step-by-step result.