Signing for a house is a big commitment, usually for a whole year. These are the things worth checking with any landlord or agent, including us.
The safety paperwork
- Gas safety certificate. If the house has gas appliances, they must be checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer every year, and you should get a copy of the record.
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Rented homes need a valid EPC. It shows how energy efficient the house is, which affects how much it costs to heat.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. There must be a working smoke alarm on every storey used as living space, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas boiler.
- Electrical safety. The electrics must be inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years, and you should be given a copy of the report.
The HMO licence
Larger shared houses are usually “houses in multiple occupation” (HMOs). A house shared by five or more people from more than one household needs a licence from the council. Some councils license smaller shared houses too. Ask whether the house needs a licence and whether it has one.
Your deposit
- Your deposit must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme, and the landlord must tell you which one within 30 days of receiving it.
- Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, a security deposit is capped at five weeks’ rent (for annual rent under £50,000), and a holding deposit at one week’s rent.
- Most other fees, such as charges for viewings, references or setting up the tenancy, are banned.
At the viewing
- Does the house look like the photos? Are the bedrooms similar sizes, and is everyone happy with theirs?
- What’s included in the rent: gas, electricity, water, broadband, TV licence?
- Who do you call when something breaks, and is there an out-of-hours number?
- How are repairs handled, and how quickly?
- When does the tenancy start and end?
The paperwork to keep
Keep copies of your tenancy agreement, the deposit protection certificate, the gas safety record, the EPC and the electrical report. Take dated photos of every room on the day you move in. They make the end of the tenancy much easier.
Ask us
We’re happy to show you any of this for our houses. Call the office on 0161 220 6030, or book a viewing and ask on the day.
This checklist is general information about renting in England, checked October 2026. It isn’t legal advice, and the rules can change. Shelter and GOV.UK have full guidance.