Move-In Checklist (UK)
MOVE-IN CHECKLIST AND INVENTORY
Property address: [Property Address]
Tenancy start date: [Tenancy Start Date]
Date of inspection: [Inspection Date]
Landlord: [Landlord Name]
Tenant(s): [Tenant Names]
Deposit: [Deposit Amount] — protected with [Deposit Scheme]
METER READINGS AT MOVE-IN
Gas meter: [Gas Meter Reading]
Electricity meter: [Electricity Meter Reading]
Water meter: [Water Meter Reading]
KEYS ISSUED
[Keys Issued]
OVERALL PROPERTY CONDITION
[Overall Condition]
ROOM-BY-ROOM CONDITION RECORD
Entrance Hall / Hallway
[Entrance Hall]
Living Room / Lounge
[Lounge]
Kitchen
[Kitchen]
Bedroom 1
[Bedroom 1]
Additional Rooms
[Additional Rooms]
Bathroom
[Bathroom]
External Areas
[External Areas]
SAFETY CHECKS AND CERTIFICATES
[Safety Checks]
DECLARATION
We confirm that this Move-In Checklist accurately records the condition of the property at the commencement of the tenancy on [Tenancy Start Date]. Both parties have been given the opportunity to inspect the property and add comments. This checklist will be used as the baseline for assessing the condition of the property at the end of the tenancy.
LANDLORD / AGENT:
Signed: ____________________________
Name: [Landlord Name]
Date: ____________________________
TENANT(S):
Signed: ____________________________
Name: [Tenant Names]
Date: ____________________________
Tenant's comments / disagreements (if any): ____________________________
Landlord / Agent
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Tenant
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Move-In Checklist (UK)?
A Move-In Checklist in the United Kingdom records the physical state, fixtures, and disclosed defects of a property so both sides have an agreed record before completion, under the framework of the Law of Property Act 1925.
The legal framework governing the Move-In Checklist (UK) in United Kingdom draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Housing Act 1988, disputes may be referred to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 sets repair obligations. The Land Registry maintains title records under the Land Registration Act 2002. Section 2 of the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989 governs contracts for the sale of land. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 restricts permitted payments. Parties executing a Move-In Checklist (UK) in United Kingdom should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Law of Property Act 1925 sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Move-In Checklist (UK)?
A move-in checklist should be completed for every residential tenancy at which a deposit is taken — regardless of whether the property is furnished or unfurnished. It should be prepared immediately before the tenant moves in, when the property is in the condition it will be handed over, and signed by both parties (or their representatives) at or before the start of the tenancy. For furnished properties, the checklist is especially important as it documents not only the structure and decorative condition of each room but also the condition, quantity, and quality of all furniture, white goods, soft furnishings, and other contents. Any pre-existing damage, wear, or missing items should be noted in detail. For unfurnished properties, the checklist covers the structure, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, fixtures, and fittings such as kitchen units, bathroom suites, and built-in appliances. Meter readings for gas, electricity, and water should be recorded on the checklist. The checklist is also important at the end of the tenancy, when a move-out inspection is conducted. The move-out report is compared with the move-in checklist to identify any damage or deterioration beyond fair wear and tear. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 prohibits landlords from charging tenants for inventories in assured shorthold tenancies, so this cost falls on the landlord.
Parties in United Kingdom should prepare a Move-In Checklist (UK) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Housing Act 1988, disputes may be referred to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 sets repair obligations. The Land Registry maintains title records under the Land Registration Act 2002. Section 2 of the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989 governs contracts for the sale of land. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 restricts permitted payments. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your Move-In Checklist (UK)
A thorough UK move-in checklist should cover the following areas. Property details: the full address, the tenancy start date, the names of all tenants, the name of the landlord or managing agent, and the deposit amount and scheme in which it is protected. Room-by-room condition: for each room (entrance hall, living room, dining room, kitchen, each bedroom, bathroom, toilet, utility room, conservatory, garage, garden), the checklist should record the condition of walls, ceiling, floor, windows, doors, light fittings and switches, sockets, radiators and heating controls, and any built-in furniture or storage. For the kitchen: condition of all units, worktops, sink, taps, cooker, hob, oven, extractor fan, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and washing machine if provided. For bathrooms: bath, shower, basin, toilet, taps, tiles, towel rail, mirror, and accessories. Meter readings: gas meter reading and location; electricity meter reading and location; water meter reading if applicable. Keys: the number and type of keys issued including front door, back door, window locks, postbox, and garage. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: locations and tested condition as required by the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022. Finally, both parties should sign and date the checklist, and each should retain a copy with any supporting photographs.
Additional compliance elements for a Move-In Checklist (UK) used in United Kingdom include: Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Housing Act 1988, disputes may be referred to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 sets repair obligations. The Land Registry maintains title records under the Land Registration Act 2002. Section 2 of the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989 governs contracts for the sale of land. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 restricts permitted payments. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for United Kingdom-compliant documentation.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Move-In Checklist (UK) (United Kingdom) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/uk/real-estate/leases/uk-move-in-checklist
"Move-In Checklist (UK) (United Kingdom)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/uk/real-estate/leases/uk-move-in-checklist.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Move-In Checklist (UK) (United Kingdom)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/uk/real-estate/leases/uk-move-in-checklist}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Law of Property Act 1925}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
A move-in checklist, also known as a check-in inventory or schedule of condition, is a detailed record of the condition of a rental property at the start of a tenancy. In England and Wales, while not legally mandatory, it is strongly recommended by the Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) schemes established under the Housing Act 2004. The checklist serves as crucial evidence in deposit disputes at the end of the tenancy. It should document the condition of every room, including walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, fittings, and any existing damage or wear. The document should be agreed and signed by both landlord and tenant at the start of the tenancy. The Deregulation Act 2015 strengthened tenants rights regarding deposit protection. Under United Kingdom law, Law of Property Act 1925, parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Housing Act 1988, disputes may be referred to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 sets repair obligations. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for United Kingdom-compliant documentation.
A move-in checklist is not strictly legally required under English law, but it is effectively essential for practical and legal reasons. The Housing Act 2004 Sections 213-215 require landlords to protect tenancy deposits in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt. When disputes arise about deductions from the deposit, the TDP adjudicators rely heavily on check-in and check-out inventories as evidence. Without a detailed inventory, landlords typically lose deposit disputes, as the burden of proof lies with the landlord to demonstrate that damage occurred during the tenancy. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 prohibits landlords from charging tenants for inventories in assured shorthold tenancies. Under United Kingdom law, Law of Property Act 1925, parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Housing Act 1988, disputes may be referred to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 sets repair obligations. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for United Kingdom-compliant documentation.
A detailed UK move-in checklist should cover every aspect of the property condition at the commencement of the tenancy. This includes room-by-room descriptions of walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and all fixtures and fittings. Light fittings, switches, and electrical sockets should be tested and their condition noted. Kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, and heating systems should be checked and documented. Meter readings for gas, electricity, and water should be recorded. The condition of any furnished items including curtains, carpets, and furniture must be described. Photographs or video evidence dated at the time of check-in significantly strengthen the inventory. Both parties should sign and date the document. Under United Kingdom law, Law of Property Act 1925, parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Housing Act 1988, disputes may be referred to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 sets repair obligations. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for United Kingdom-compliant documentation.
A Move-In Checklist (UK) does not legally require a lawyer in United Kingdom, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Law of Property Act 1925 does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified United Kingdom lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The High Court of Justice has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Companies House may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
A Move-In Checklist (UK) does not legally require a solicitor in the United Kingdom, though legal advice is recommended for complex transactions. Under UK law, individuals may draft and execute this type of document independently. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides consumer protections. However, Companies House, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), or other regulatory bodies may have specific requirements. For property transactions, the Land Registry requires qualified conveyancers under the Land Registration Act 2002. The UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 impose obligations on parties handling personal data, and legal review confirms compliance. Where disputes arise, the High Court of Justice, County Court, or Employment Tribunal have jurisdiction. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point — always review with a qualified UK solicitor for significant transactions involving substantial value or regulatory complexity.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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