The Tenant Project

Your First Week Checklist

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it’s also easy to overlook important tasks. Follow this practical checklist during your first week to help protect your deposit, avoid billing problems and settle into your new home with confidence.

At a Glance

Your first few days in a new property are the best time to identify any problems, update important records and make sure everything is working as it should.

Spending just an hour or two completing these simple tasks can help prevent disputes later in your tenancy and make moving home much less stressful.

Table of Contents
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    Before You Unpack

    Before filling your new home with furniture and boxes, take a few minutes to document the property’s condition.
    • Walk through every room.
    • Take photographs of walls, floors and ceilings.
    • Photograph any existing damage.
    • Take a video walkthrough of the entire property.
    • Save everything somewhere secure.
    These images could prove invaluable if there’s ever a dispute about your tenancy deposit.

    Check the Property Condition

    Carefully compare the property against your inventory or check-in report.

    Look for:

    • Marks or damage that hasn’t been recorded
    • Missing furniture
    • Broken fixtures
    • Dirty appliances
    • Damaged flooring
    • Signs of damp or mould
    • Faulty windows or doors

    If anything is incorrect, notify your landlord or letting agent in writing as soon as possible.

    Test Safety Equipment

    Safety should always be one of your first priorities. Check that:
    • Smoke alarms work.
    • Carbon monoxide alarms work (where fitted).
    • Door and window locks operate correctly.
    • Escape routes are clear.
    • The heating and hot water are working properly.
    If anything appears unsafe, report it immediately.

    Record Meter Readings

    Take clear photographs of:

    • Electricity meter
    • Gas meter
    • Water meter (if applicable)

    Also photograph:

    • The meter serial numbers
    • The readings themselves

    This helps ensure you’re only charged for energy you’ve actually used.

    Set Up Your Bills

    If you’re responsible for your own bills:
    • Contact your gas supplier.
    • Contact your electricity supplier.
    • Notify the water company if necessary.
    • Register for Council Tax.
    • Arrange broadband if required.
    • Check whether you need a TV Licence.
    Don’t assume bills are included – always check your tenancy agreement first.

    Update Your Address

    Remember to tell organisations about your new address. This may include:
    • Your bank
    • Your employer
    • DVLA (driving licence and vehicle registration)
    • GP surgery
    • Dentist
    • HMRC
    • Insurance providers
    • Your mobile phone provider
    • Online retailers
    • Friends and family
    You should also consider setting up Royal Mail redirection if you’ve recently moved from another property.

    Report Problems Immediately

    If you discover any problems after moving in, don’t wait. Examples include:
    • Damp or mould
    • Leaks
    • Broken appliances
    • Heating faults
    • Pest problems
    • Missing furniture
    • Electrical issues

    Always report problems in writing, keeping copies of emails or messages.

    Early reporting creates a clear record if issues become more serious later.

    Keep Your Documents Safe

    Create a folder (digital or paper) containing:
    • Your tenancy agreement
    • Inventory
    • Deposit protection certificate
    • Prescribed Information
    • Gas Safety Certificate
    • EICR (if provided)
    • EPC
    • Emails from your landlord or letting agent
    • Photographs and videos taken on moving day
    Keeping everything together will make it much easier if you ever need to refer back to it.

    Your First Week Checklist

    Before You Finish…
    • Photograph every room
    • Record meter readings
    • Check your inventory
    • Report any damage
    • Test smoke alarms
    • Test carbon monoxide alarms
    • Check heating and hot water
    • Set up utility accounts
    • Register for Council Tax
    • Update your address with important organisations
    • Save copies of all tenancy documents
    • Store photographs and videos safely

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How quickly should I report damage?

    Ideally within the first 24 to 48 hours after moving in. The sooner you notify your landlord or letting agent, the easier it is to show that the damage wasn’t caused by you.

    Should I take photographs even if there’s already an inventory?

    Yes. An inventory is helpful, but your own dated photographs and videos provide additional evidence and can support your position if there’s ever a disagreement.

    What if I discover a problem a few days later?

    Report it as soon as you become aware of it. Explain when you first noticed the issue and keep a copy of your message.

    Do I need to keep all my tenancy paperwork?

    Absolutely. Keeping copies of important documents throughout your tenancy can make resolving disputes much easier if problems arise later.

    Key Takeaways

    • Your first week is the best time to identify and report any issues with the property.
    • Photograph the property's condition before unpacking.
    • Record your meter readings and arrange your utility accounts promptly.
    • Keep all important tenancy documents together in one safe place.
    • Report any repairs or concerns to your landlord or letting agent in writing as soon as possible.

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