Checklist for viewing a property for rent

Take this checklist with you for things to look for and ask when you are viewing a property.

Inside the property

Damp and mould

• Look for signs of new or bubbling paint.  

• Touch walls with new paint and under windows and by doors to check for damp.

Pests and vermin

• Check for signs in cupboards, near the boiler & under sinks.  

• Look for droppings, dead insects or chewed holes. 

Leaks and blocked pipes

• Run taps and check the water drains away without leaks or blockages. 

Holes and gaps

• Check around windows, doors, pipes and skirting boards. 

Extractor fans

• Check that fans work.  

• Ask if there have been problems with mould or condensation. 

Sockets and outlets

• Where are the electric and TV sockets?

• Do they look safe?

Safety

• Is there a gas safety certificate?  

• When is the next check due? 

• When was the last electrical safety check done? 

• Is there a working smoke alarm on each floor? 

• Where are the fire exits? 

• What is the fire safety plan? 
  

Outside the property

• Loose roof tiles and blocked guttering? 

• Leaks in pipes, gutters or walls? 

• Crumbling brickwork or rotting wood and frames? 

• Holes and gaps in walls or around windows and doors? 

• Who looks after shared areas like gardens and lifts? 

Rent and bills

• How is the property heated? 

• What are the average bills? 

• Confirm the rent total  

• Who do I pay it to and on what date? 

• Are other bills included, or do I set up my own accounts? 

• Where are the energy and water meters? 

• Does furniture come with the property? 

• Will the landlord remove furniture I do not want?

• Which tenancy deposit protection scheme do you use?

Anything else? 

• Were you treated fairly? 

• Did the landlord or letting agent answer your questions? 

• Were you given enough time to look around? 

• Did the landlord or agent do anything to make you uncomfortable? 

Downloads

You can also download the checklist to print out:

Word document: checklist for viewing a property to rent (19kb)

OpenDocument: checklist for viewing a home to rent (14kb)