A tenants' guide to moving in
Moving into a new rental property?
Set your tenancy off right.
A tenants’ guide to moving in: Set your tenancy off right
Whether this is your first time renting or you’re a seasoned renter, having the right knowledge can make sure there is a smooth transition to your new home. Our comprehensive guide covers essential information for tenants moving in, helping you kick-start a happy and hassle-free tenancy.
Government-authorised deposit protection: Secure your deposit
When you pay a deposit to your landlord or letting agent, legally it must be protected with a government-authorised scheme. Deposits are typically either five or six weeks’ rent and serve to cover issues like damage or rent arrears. It’s important to understand that deposit deductions cannot be made without making an allowance for fair wear and tear, which is considered reasonable use of the property over time.
Meet mydeposits: Your trusted deposit protection provider
mydeposits, established in 2007, is a government-authorised scheme dedicated to safeguarding tenants’ deposits throughout the tenancy. As experts in all things deposits, we have over 400,000 members and protect over £1.3 billion of tenants’ deposits across all regions in the UK. Powered by Total Property, mydeposits is the trusted deposit protection provider of choice
Understanding deposit protection: Know your options
mydeposits is one of three government-authorised deposit protection schemes. Landlords and agents have options of protecting deposits using the insurance or custodial-based models. With the insurance model, your landlord/agent holds the deposit and pays a protection fee. The custodial model involves transferring the deposit to the scheme for safekeeping.
Protect your deposit today.
If you have taken a cash deposit, you must protect it in a government authorised scheme within 30 calendar days.
Steps to a successful move-in: Your checklist
Review your tenancy agreement
Carefully read and understand the terms of your tenancy agreement—a legal contract between you and the landlord/agent outlining the rules and responsibilities for your stay.Pay your deposit
Once you have agreed to rent the property you will need to sign your tenancy agreement and pay a deposit, if asked. You should then make sure you receive the prescribed information, which is a legal requirement. You have every right to request it if you do not receive it within 30 days of paying it.Checking in
As you approach your move-in date, your landlord/agent will arrange a check-in report, documenting the property's condition. Attend the process if possible or review the report thoroughly if not. Make sure to report any differences or issues you find.Create a property folder
Organise all your paperwork, including the inventory, check-in report, and prescribed information in a designated folder for easy access.
Understanding key terms: A quick glossary
Agent
A representative acting on behalf of landlords to manage the property.Assured shorthold tenancy (AST)
The most common tenancy agreement in England. This is known as an Occupation contract in Wales.Custodial scheme
The deposit is transferred to mydeposits for safekeeping.Deposit
An amount held to cover damages or rent arrears at the end of the tenancy.End of tenancy resolution
The process of discussion or formal resolution at the end of the tenancy to decide how the deposit should be distributedDeposit protection certificate (DPC)
A certificate confirming deposit protection.Insurance scheme
Landlord/agent holds the deposit and pays a protection fee.Joint tenancy agreement
Multiple tenants are jointly responsible for the terms of the agreement.Landlord
Property owner who lets using an AST.Prescribed information
Information legally required to be provided to tenants about deposit protection.Tenant
Person renting a property under an AST agreement.
Your tenancy journey starts with the right knowledge, check out out guide on tenancy agreements. Download our tenant’s guide to moving in for a smooth transition to your new home.