Move-In Checklist for HMO Landlords in the UK
Essential move-in checklist for UK HMO landlords, covering safety compliance, room-by-room inspections, and tenant documentation.
Moving new tenants into an HMO requires strict compliance with licensing requirements, safety regulations, and thorough documentation. This checklist ensures you meet all legal obligations while creating a smooth move-in experience.
Pre-Move-In Legal Compliance
Verify HMO license is current and valid
Confirm your HMO license is active and covers the number of occupants
Confirm all safety certificates are current
Check gas safety (annual), EICR (5 years), EPC (10 years), and fire risk assessment
Conduct fire safety equipment inspection
Test all smoke alarms, heat detectors, fire doors, and emergency lighting
Prepare Right to Rent documentation
Set up process to check and copy acceptable ID documents for all tenants
Register with deposit protection scheme
Ensure you're registered with DPS, TDS, or MyDeposits
Tenant Documentation
Prepare individual or joint tenancy agreements
Draft agreements specifying room allocation, rent, and shared area responsibilities
Provide "How to Rent" government guide
Give each tenant the latest version of the government's How to Rent guide
Provide EPC certificate to each tenant
Give copy of valid Energy Performance Certificate showing minimum E rating
Distribute HMO house rules document
Provide written rules covering noise, shared spaces, bins, and visitor policies
Provide emergency contact information
Give tenants emergency numbers for landlord, maintenance, and utilities
Room-by-Room Inspection
Verify room sizes meet minimum standards
Confirm each bedroom meets minimum size requirements (6.51m² for single occupancy)
Create detailed inventory for each bedroom
Document furniture, fittings, and condition with photos for each room
Verify bedroom locks are functional
Test that each bedroom has a working lock for tenant privacy
Inventory shared kitchen and bathrooms
Document condition of shared facilities including appliances and fixtures
Check furniture fire safety compliance
Verify all upholstered furniture meets fire resistance standards
Safety Equipment Checks
Test smoke alarms on each floor
Press test button on all smoke alarms and document working order
Test carbon monoxide alarms
Check CO alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances
Verify fire blanket and extinguishers present
Check kitchen has fire blanket and appropriate fire extinguishers are accessible
Test emergency escape lighting
If required, verify emergency lighting works on escape routes
Inspect fire doors and self-closers
Ensure fire doors close properly and seals are intact
Utilities and Services Setup
Take and record all meter readings
Document electricity, gas, and water meter readings with photos
Set up and test internet connection
Ensure WiFi is working throughout property and provide password
Demonstrate heating and hot water controls
Show tenants how to operate heating system and hot water
Explain bin collection and recycling
Provide bin day schedule and recycling guidelines
Deposit and Financial Setup
Collect and receipt security deposits
Take deposit payment and provide written receipt
Protect deposit within 30 days
Register deposit with approved scheme and provide prescribed information
Set up first rent payment
Confirm first rent payment date and method (standing order, direct debit, or bank transfer)
Provide clear payment schedule
Give written schedule showing rent due dates for the first year
Final Move-In Steps
Provide all keys and access fobs
Give keys for bedroom, front door, mailbox, and any shared areas
Provide HMO welcome pack
Give folder with all docs, contacts, house rules, and local info
Set up tenant portal access
Invite tenants to online portal for rent payments and maintenance requests
Complete and sign inventory walkthrough
Walk through property with tenant, sign inventory report together
Take comprehensive move-in photos
Photograph every room, focusing on condition of walls, floors, and fixtures
Pro Tips
- •HMO compliance is strict - keep a master checklist and update it as regulations change
- •Build good relationships from day one - happy tenants are less likely to cause problems
- •Digital documentation saves time - use property management software to store everything
- •Regular safety checks between move-ins prevent emergency failures during occupied periods
Related Resources
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