Moving into a new home is exciting, but there are a few important things to do when you first move in. Taking the time to follow these steps can help you avoid problems with your landlord, bills, and your deposit later on.
Moving-In Checklist✅ Check your deposit is protected
✅ Take photos and complete an inventory
✅ Confirm your council tax exemption
✅ Record meter readings
✅ Arrange contents insurance
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Make Sure Your Deposit Is Protected
Most private landlords must protect your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit protection scheme and provide you with information about the scheme within 30 days.
These schemes exist to make sure landlords cannot unfairly keep your deposit at the end of your tenancy.
If you're unsure whether your deposit has been protected, you can check with the deposit protection schemes directly:
You can also use Shelter's deposit checker for guidance.
Get Proof of the Property's Condition
This is one of the most important things you can do when moving in.
Make sure an inventory is completed and take clear photos of every room as soon as you move in. Pay particular attention to any existing damage, marks, stains, or broken items. This evidence can help protect you if there is a dispute about your deposit when you move out. Shelter has more information about inventories on their website.
If your landlord does not provide an inventory, create your own and ask your landlord and all tenants to sign it. If your landlord is unwilling to sign, consider asking an independent witness to do so.
If you discover any damage or disrepair, report it to your landlord in writing straight away. This creates a record of the issue and helps ensure you are not held responsible for it later.
Check Your Council Tax Status
If everyone living in the property is a full-time student, the household should be exempt from council tax.
The University provides information about enrolled students to the local councils covering:
- Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Cheshire East
Even so, it's a good idea to contact your local council and confirm that your exemption has been applied correctly.
If you're living outside these areas, or if there is a problem with your exemption, you can download a student status letter through eVision by selecting:
Common Actions → My Status Letter
⚠️Don't Ignore Council Letters
Even if you're exempt from council tax, don't ignore letters, emails, or bills from the council. Responding quickly can help you avoid unnecessary charges, enforcement action, or additional costs. |
Read the Meters
If you are responsible for paying utility bills, take gas, electricity, and water meter readings as soon as you move in.
Providing opening readings to suppliers helps ensure that you are only charged for the energy and water you use, rather than the previous tenants' usage.
It's also worth agreeing with your housemates:
- How bills will be shared
- Who will manage the accounts
- How payments will be collected
Having these conversations early can prevent disagreements later.
Protect Your Belongings
Your landlord's insurance usually covers the building, not your personal belongings. If your possessions are stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you may not be covered unless you have your own contents insurance.
Consider whether contents insurance is right for you, particularly if you own expensive items such as laptops, tablets, bicycles, or other valuable equipment.
Need Advice?
If you're unsure about your tenancy, deposit protection, council tax, or any housing-related issue, contact ASK. We're here to help you understand your rights and resolve problems before they become bigger issues.