Confirm the arrangement before moving day
Keep the agreed rent, deposit, maintenance, utilities, furnishing, parking, occupants, notice terms, and move-in date in one place. Confirm the payment recipient and the person responsible for handing over the home.
Ask what must be completed before possession, such as cleaning, repairs, painting, appliance servicing, or key collection. Get changes from the earlier conversation recorded in writing.
- Signed agreement and copies of payment records
- Confirmed move-in date, contact person, and key handover plan
- Written list of included furniture, appliances, parking, and services
Record the home on handover day
Take dated photos or a short video of each room, walls, floors, fixtures, appliances, meters where relevant, and any existing marks or damage. Ask before recording shared or personal areas.
Count keys, remotes, access cards, and supplied items. Test water, lights, fans, appliances, locks, and basic connectivity where possible, then send the condition record to the relevant contact.
Create a simple maintenance trail
Save the agreement, inventory, photos, meter readings, receipts, and contact details in a folder. Ask how repairs should be raised, who may enter for work, and how urgent issues are handled.
When something changes, use a written message that states the date, issue, agreed action, and any expected cost. This helps both sides refer back to the same handover record.
Verify before you act
Handover practices and rental terms vary by property and agreement. This is a starting record-keeping checklist, not legal or tenancy advice; verify the written terms and seek qualified advice if a disagreement needs specialist help.