New keys? Do these 8 things in your first 48 hours.
Deposit disputes are decided on evidence, and the best evidence is made on day one — before you unpack. This checklist takes about an hour and costs nothing.
This is not legal advice. TenantProof helps you organise your own records.
The move-in checklist
Eight things, one hour, day one
Most deposit deductions are argued months later, from memory. Do these while the flat is exactly as you found it.
1.Photograph every room before you unpack
Walls, floors, windows, appliances and any existing damage. The date matters more than the quality — wide shots plus close-ups of anything already marked or broken.
2.Read every meter and photograph the display
Gas, electricity and water on day one, so you only ever pay for your own usage.
3.Log any existing damage in writing the same week
Email or message your landlord or agent listing what you found, so it's on record that it was there before you.
4.Check your deposit is protected
Landlords must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme (TDS, DPS or mydeposits) within 30 days. Ask for the certificate if you haven't seen it.
5.Keep your tenancy agreement and inventory safe
You'll want both if anything is disputed later. If you're given an inventory, check it against your own photos before signing.
6.Save your landlord or agent's contact details
And find out how you're expected to report repairs — email, portal or phone.
7.Know where to get help
Your students' union advice centre first — it's free and independent. Then Shelter and Citizens Advice for housing advice beyond the SU.
8.Keep a dated record of all of the above
TenantProof is a free tool that time-stamps your photos and notes and keeps them in one organised place — so your record holds up later.
If something goes wrong
Your students' union advice centre is your first stop — free, independent advice from people who deal with student housing every day. Beyond the SU:
TenantProof isn't an advice service — it's the tool that keeps your records organised so that if you ever need advice, you arrive with the evidence.
An hour today can settle an argument next June.
TenantProof is free: time-stamped photos, a dated repair log, and a tidy PDF of the lot whenever you need it. No card, no subscription — and your records stay private to you.
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