Viewing Checklist

Viewing a rental property checklist.

Use this checklist during an in-person or live video viewing to spot problems, confirm key details, and avoid being rushed into paying before you have checked the property properly.

Your viewing progress

Tick each item as you check it. You can also print this page and take it with you to a viewing.

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Important A viewing does not prove everything is safe, but it can help confirm the property exists, matches the advert, and is available to rent.

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Before the viewing

Before you attend, make sure the viewing itself feels safe and the person arranging it is clear about who they are.

I know who is showing me the property. Ask whether they are the landlord, letting agent, property manager, current tenant, or advertiser.

I have the full property address. Check that the address matches the advert, messages, map area, and any documents you have received.

I have told someone where I am going. For in-person viewings, share the address, time, and contact details with someone you trust.

I have not paid just to get a viewing. Be cautious if someone asks for payment before allowing you to see the property.

Pause if viewing is refused

If the advertiser says you cannot view in person or by live video, and asks for money instead, treat that as a serious warning sign.

Check the property matches the advert

The outside of the property matches the listing. Check the building, street, entrance, and general area match what was advertised.

The rooms match the photos. Look for major differences in layout, furniture, windows, flooring, or condition.

The property type is what was advertised. Confirm whether it is a room, studio, flat, house, shared property, or student accommodation.

The rent and move-in date match the advert. Ask if anything has changed since the listing was posted.

Check the condition

I checked for damp, mould, leaks, or water damage. Look around windows, ceilings, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, and corners.

I checked windows, doors, and locks. Make sure they open, close, lock properly, and feel secure.

I checked heating, hot water, and ventilation. Ask how heating works, whether hot water is reliable, and whether rooms ventilate properly.

I checked kitchen appliances and fittings. Ask what is included and whether appliances are working.

I checked bathroom condition. Look for leaks, mould, weak water pressure, broken fittings, or poor ventilation.

Check safety basics

I asked about smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Ask where they are and whether they are working.

I asked about gas, electrical, or safety certificates. Ask what safety documents will be provided before the tenancy starts.

I checked the entrance and communal areas. Look at lighting, locks, shared hallways, bins, stairs, and general maintenance.

I checked phone signal and internet options. Especially important if you work or study from home.

Check money and bills

I confirmed the monthly rent. Ask if the amount is fixed and when it is due each month.

I confirmed what bills are included. Ask about gas, electricity, water, broadband, council tax, service charges, and any shared costs.

I confirmed the deposit amount. Ask whether it is a holding deposit, tenancy deposit, or first month’s rent.

I asked how the deposit will be protected. Ask which deposit protection scheme will be used and when you will receive confirmation.

I asked for payment terms in writing. Do not rely only on a verbal promise, message, or rushed phone call.

Check tenancy details

I asked what type of agreement will be used. Ask whether it is a tenancy, licence, lodger agreement, student contract, or room rental arrangement.

I asked when I can see the agreement. Read the agreement before signing or paying large amounts.

I asked about the tenancy length and notice period. Check start date, end date, break clauses, and notice rules.

I asked who handles repairs. Ask how repairs are reported and how quickly urgent problems are handled.

If it is a shared property

I know who else lives there. Ask how many people live in the property and who shares each space.

I checked shared kitchen and bathroom arrangements. Ask how many people share and whether there are cleaning arrangements.

I asked about house rules. Ask about guests, noise, cleaning, smoking, pets, parking, and shared bills.

After the viewing

I saved the listing and messages. Keep screenshots in case the advert changes or disappears.

I wrote down anything concerning. Make a note of damage, missing documents, pressure to pay, or unclear answers.

I checked the listing with the rental scam checker. Use the checker if anything felt rushed, vague, too cheap, or suspicious.

Good sign

A safer viewing usually feels clear and consistent: the address matches, the person is identifiable, the property matches the advert, and payment terms are explained in writing.

Copy-and-paste follow-up message after viewing

Send this after a viewing before paying or signing.

Hi, thank you for showing me the property. Before I send any money or sign anything, could you please confirm: 1. The full property address 2. The monthly rent and payment date 3. What bills are included and what I would pay separately 4. The deposit amount and which deposit protection scheme will be used 5. Whether any holding deposit is required, what it reserves, and whether it is refundable 6. The tenancy type, start date, length, and notice period 7. When I can review the tenancy agreement 8. What furniture, appliances, and fixtures are included 9. Who handles repairs and maintenance 10. Any remaining issues, repairs, or cleaning that will be completed before move-in Thank you. I just want to make sure everything is clear in writing before moving forward.

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This checklist provides general information only. It cannot guarantee that a rental property is safe, genuine, suitable, or legally compliant.

Useful next steps

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