What it’s for
- Complete together with your tenant on the day of move-in to create a shared record
- Record meter readings (gas, electricity, water) as a reference for billing questions
- Test and document smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms with tenant signature
- Note key handovers (front door, back door, post box, meter cupboard)
- Document the condition of the property with photo references at move-in
How to use this in TenancyVault
This manual PDF includes meter, smoke/CO alarm, key and photo tables plus signatures. Complete it without an account; it does not replace safety checks or document delivery. After completion:
- Upload the signed checklist to your property vault alongside the tenancy agreement
- Upload move-in photos as evidence of property condition at the start of the tenancy
- Keep alarm test details and follow-up evidence with the property records
- Store meter readings in the completed checklist so you have a baseline when the tenancy ends
FAQ
Is a move-in checklist legally required?
This is an optional record, not a prescribed legal form. Applicable safety, alarm and document-delivery duties still need to be completed. Use the England tenancy-start checklist for related tasks.
When should smoke alarms be tested?
For covered rented homes in England, provide at least one smoke alarm on each storey used as living accommodation and ensure required alarms work on the day a new tenancy begins. Record the test and any fault. This template does not describe Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland’s separate rules.
Do I need a CO alarm on every floor?
England’s rule is based on rooms, not floors: provide an alarm in each room used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance, except a gas cooker. This includes gas boilers. Check the official guidance for scope and exemptions.
Who is responsible for testing alarms during the tenancy?
Tenants should test alarms regularly and report problems. Once informed and a fault is found, landlords must repair or replace required faulty alarms as soon as reasonably practicable. A signed checklist does not transfer that duty.
Should tenants sign the checklist?
Invite them to record comments and acknowledge the items actually checked. Note disagreement or missing information. A signature does not prove every safety obligation was met or waive the tenant’s rights.