Moving into a new home is always exciting, whether you're renting your first property, moving somewhere bigger or simply looking for a fresh start.
However, once you've collected your keys, there are a few important responsibilities that shouldn't be overlooked.
At Kellett & Co, we regularly help tenants move into rental properties across Preston, Blackpool and the surrounding Lancashire areas. We understand how stressful moving day can be, especially when you're juggling packing, arranging furniture and settling into a new home.
To make things easier, we've put together a simple guide covering everything you should arrange when moving into a rented property.
1. Contact Your Gas and Electricity Suppliers
One of the first things you should do when moving into a property is find out who currently supplies the gas and electricity.
Unless your tenancy states that utilities are included in your rent, you'll normally be responsible for paying these bills from the start of your tenancy.
Here's what you need to do:
- Take photographs of your gas and electricity meter readings on the day your tenancy begins.
- Contact the existing energy suppliers to inform them you're the new tenant.
- Provide your full name, tenancy start date and opening meter readings.
- Arrange your preferred payment method, such as Direct Debit.
- Compare tariffs if you'd like to switch to another supplier.
Our advice: Always photograph your meter readings and keep them somewhere safe. This helps ensure you're only charged for energy used during your tenancy, rather than any usage from previous occupants.
If the property has prepayment meters, contact the supplier immediately so they can arrange the correct account details and ensure you're not paying towards someone else's debt.
2. Register for Council Tax
When you move into a new rental property, you'll usually need to register for Council Tax with the relevant local authority.
For example, if you're moving into a property in Preston, you'll normally need to contact Preston City Council.
Depending on where your property is located, you may need to register with another council, such as Fylde, Wyre, South Ribble or Blackpool.
Make sure you provide your moving-in date and the details of everyone living at the property.
If you're moving from another address, don't forget to notify your previous council that you've moved out.
Our advice: If you live alone, you may be eligible for a 25% single-person Council Tax discount. Certain students and other eligible households may also qualify for discounts or exemptions.
You can find your local authority using the government's council finder at www.gov.uk/find-local-council.
3. Arrange Your Broadband and Internet
Broadband is something many tenants forget about until they've moved in.
Depending on the provider and type of connection available, installation or activation can sometimes take time.
Before moving, check which broadband services are available at your new address.
If you already have an existing broadband contract, contact your provider to see whether you can transfer it to your new home.
Our advice: Arrange your broadband as early as possible, particularly if you work from home.
If installation involves drilling, additional cabling or other alterations to the property, contact your letting agent or landlord before agreeing to the work.
4. Register With Your Water Supplier
Your water and wastewater services may be managed by one or more companies, depending on the property's location.
Many properties in Preston and the surrounding areas are supplied by United Utilities.
If you're responsible for the water charges, contact the relevant supplier and register your details.
If your new home has a water meter, take a photograph of the opening reading.
Our advice: Don't assume your letting agent automatically sets up your water account. Check your tenancy agreement to establish who is responsible for the charges and make sure the supplier has the correct information.
5. Check Your Inventory and Property Condition
When you move into a rental property, you may receive an inventory or schedule of condition.
This document records the property's condition, including walls, flooring, fixtures, fittings and any furniture or appliances included in the tenancy.
It's important to review this information carefully.
Walk around the property, check everything listed and take your own photographs.
If you discover any damage, marks or defects that haven't been recorded, notify your letting agent promptly in writing.
Our advice: Keep photographs and copies of your correspondence. A clear, accurate inventory protects both tenants and landlords and can help prevent unnecessary disagreements when the tenancy ends.
Remember, you're not normally responsible for genuine fair wear and tear, but you may be responsible for damage beyond that allowance.
6. Understand Your Rent Payments
Before moving in, make sure you understand when your rent is due and how it should be paid.
Check your tenancy agreement for:
- Your monthly rental amount.
- Your rent payment date.
- The correct payment details.
- Any agreed arrangements regarding your tenancy.
If your rent is paid by standing order, make sure it has been set up correctly to avoid missed or late payments.
Our advice: Setting up an automatic payment can make managing your monthly finances much easier. Always verify bank details using a trusted contact method before sending money, particularly if you receive a request to change them.
7. Check Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Property Safety
Your new rental property should have the legally required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms installed and working at the start of your tenancy.
Take a few moments to familiarise yourself with their locations and test buttons.
You should also identify where the following are located:
- Gas emergency shut-off valve, where applicable.
- Electrical consumer unit or fuse board.
- Main water stop tap.
- Heating and hot water controls.
- Emergency exits and door locks.
If you discover a safety issue or something isn't working correctly, report it to your letting agent or landlord.
Our advice: Never ignore a faulty alarm, suspected gas leak or electrical safety concern. Report issues promptly and follow appropriate emergency procedures.
8. Update Your Address
It's surprisingly easy to forget how many companies and organisations hold your address.
Once you've moved, consider updating your details with:
- Your bank and credit card providers.
- Your employer and HMRC, where relevant.
- Your GP, dentist and other healthcare providers.
- DVLA for your driving licence and vehicle logbook, if applicable.
- Your insurance providers.
- Electoral registration.
- Online shopping accounts and subscriptions.
You might also want to arrange temporary Royal Mail redirection to avoid missing important letters delivered to your previous address.
9. Arrange Your TV Licence and Contents Insurance
If you watch or record live television on any channel or service, or use BBC iPlayer, you'll generally need to be covered by a TV Licence.
You should also consider arranging tenants' contents insurance.
Your landlord's buildings insurance won't normally cover your personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, televisions or computers.
Our advice: Contents insurance isn't generally a legal requirement for tenants, but it can provide valuable protection against unexpected events such as theft, fire or water damage.
10. Keep Your Letting Agent Updated
Good communication is one of the best ways to enjoy a straightforward tenancy.
If something breaks, you notice a leak or you have concerns about the property, report it using your letting agent's designated maintenance process.
At Kellett & Co, our landlord and tenant portals help make communication and maintenance reporting easier.
Rather than allowing minor problems to become bigger issues, report them as soon as possible.
Our advice: Look after your rental property as you would your own home, report maintenance issues promptly and keep your contact information up to date.
Your Moving Day Checklist
Before you settle into your new home, make sure you've completed the essentials:
- Collect your keys and check access to the property.
- Photograph gas, electricity and water meter readings.
- Contact the current gas and electricity suppliers.
- Register for Council Tax.
- Register with your water supplier, where required.
- Arrange broadband and internet access.
- Review your inventory and photograph the property.
- Set up your monthly rent payment.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Familiarise yourself with heating and emergency shut-offs.
- Update your address with relevant organisations.
- Arrange contents insurance if required.
- Check whether you need a TV Licence.
- Save your letting agent's contact and maintenance details.
Moving Home With Kellett & Co
At Kellett & Co, we believe renting a property should be straightforward from the moment you receive your keys.
Whether you're moving into your first flat, relocating with your family or looking for somewhere new to call home, our team is here to help make the process as smooth as possible.
We're proud to provide a personal, professional lettings and property management service across Preston and the surrounding areas.
Looking for your next rental property?
Visit www.kellettandco.co.uk to explore our available properties and find your next home.
Kellett & Co – Lettings & Property Management.
Please note: This article provides general guidance for tenants in England. Your individual responsibilities may depend on your tenancy agreement, utility arrangements and personal circumstances.
