Moving in and out of student property

Moving into student accommodation is a big moment, whether you’re heading into halls or sharing a house with friends.

But it’s also when some of the most important checks happen. The same applies when it’s time to move out, especially if you’re sharing responsibility for the property with others.

Taking the time to understand what’s expected can help everything run more smoothly and avoid any surprises.

Here’s what to know before you move in, while you’re living there, and when you move out.

What should you do when you move into student accommodation?

The day you move in is your chance to check everything properly, including shared spaces like kitchens, bathrooms and living areas.

In most cases, you’ll be given an inventory. This is a document that lists the condition of the property and anything included, such as furniture or appliances.

It helps to:

• Read through the inventory carefully
• Take photos of each room and any existing damage
• Make sure your housemates do the same
• Raise any issues straight away with the landlord or agent

Doing this early can help avoid disputes later, especially if responsibility is shared across multiple tenants.

What checks are important when you first move in?

Before settling in, it’s worth making sure everything works as expected.

For student homes, this often means checking both your own room and shared facilities.

You may want to check:

• Any appliances provided are working as expected
• Wi-Fi is set up if it’s included
• You know where meters, stopcocks and fuse boxes are
• Safety features, such as smoke alarms, are in place

It’s also useful to record meter readings on your first day, especially if bills aren’t included in your rent.

How to manage your student tenancy day to day

Living in a student house often means sharing responsibilities, so staying organised as a group can make life much easier.

Some simple habits can help:

• Agree who’s responsible for cleaning communal spaces
• Report maintenance issues as soon as they come up
• Keep a record of communication with your landlord or agent
• Follow the tenancy agreement, especially around shared responsibilities

Clear communication with both your housemates and your landlord can help prevent small issues turning into bigger problems.

What happens when it’s time to move out of student property?

Moving out of a student home usually involves coordinating with your housemates, especially if you’re all leaving at the same time.

The main aim is to return the property in a similar condition to when you moved in.

This usually means:

• Cleaning your room and shared areas thoroughly
• Removing all personal belongings
• Emptying bins and food cupboards
• Returning keys on time

Your landlord or agent will normally carry out a check-out inspection and compare the property to the original inventory.

How to improve your chances of getting your deposit back

With student properties, deposits are often shared, so any issues can affect everyone.

To help avoid deductions:

• Work together to clean shared areas like kitchens and bathrooms
• Check the inventory to make sure everything is in the expected condition
• Fix small issues where possible, like replacing light bulbs
• Avoid last-minute rush cleaning on move-out day

Having clear photos and records from move-in can make a big difference if there are any questions later.

Moving out checklist:

• Ensure all rubbish has been removed from the property (including any gardens/yards)
• Wash walls and skirting boards to remove any marks and grime
• Repair/replace anything which has been broken
• Vacuum carpets and mop floors
• Give the bathrooms, kitchen and all other communal areas a thorough clean
• Air the property as much as you can
• Defrost the freezer and clean the fridge (as well as empty them)
• Take pictures of the house once you’ve cleaned and removed your possessions just in case there are any disputes over the condition the house has been left in

What should you do if there’s a disagreement about your deposit?

If there’s a dispute about your deposit or the condition of the property, you don’t have to handle it alone.

Deposits are usually protected in a scheme, which can help resolve disagreements fairly.

Keeping records throughout your tenancy, including photos and messages, can make this process much easier, especially in shared homes.

FAQs

• What is an inventory in a student rental?

  An inventory is a record of the property’s condition and contents at the start of your tenancy, including shared areas. It’s used to refer to when you move out to check the condition of the property and its contents.

• Do all housemates need to check the inventory?

  It helps if everyone checks it, as responsibilities are often shared across the household.

• What should I check on move-in day in a shared house?

  Look at both your own room and communal spaces, test appliances, and note any existing damage.

• Who is responsible for cleaning when we move out?

  Responsibility is usually shared, so it’s worth agreeing this with your housemates before you start the process of moving out.

• When will we get our deposit back?

  Deposits are normally returned after the final inspection, if the property is left in good condition. Read more about final rent payments and getting your deposit back here.

• What happens if one housemate causes damage?

  If the tenancy is shared, all tenants can be affected. It’s important to agree expectations early and communicate any issues quickly.

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