The first day of a tenancy can involve keys, luggage, unfamiliar equipment and several documents at once. A short, clearly organised information pack helps the tenant find what they need after the handover. It should support the tenancy's required information, rather than replace it.
Start with access and contacts
Explain which keys or access devices have been supplied and what each one operates. Identify the landlord or managing agent's ordinary contact route and the separate route for an urgent problem. Check that the contact details work. Avoid leaving the tenant to discover that the only number in an old manual belongs to a former contractor.
Explain the home
Show the locations of relevant controls, meters and the stop tap where appropriate. Provide the manufacturer's instructions for equipment supplied with the property and explain how a fault should be reported. Do not ask a tenant to carry out a technical investigation or repair. If something is awaiting work, describe the issue and the agreed next step plainly.
Make reporting straightforward
Tell the tenant what information will help a repair report: the address, location, symptoms and whether there is an immediate danger. Give a way to provide a photograph if useful, without making that a barrier to reporting. Record the issue and confirm who will respond. A friendly welcome does not remove the need for an organised maintenance process.
Check the inventory together
Give the tenant an opportunity to review the condition record and raise a discrepancy. Keep dated, relevant evidence and avoid asking for agreement to something the tenant has not had a reasonable chance to inspect. Store the final record where both the responsible manager and landlord can retrieve it.
Keep it readable
Use clear sections and a small number of current links. Include practical local information such as bin arrangements only after checking it for the address. GOV.UK's tenant-rights guidance is a useful official reference for the wider responsibilities involved. Different UK nations and tenancy types have different rules. This editorial guide focuses on a useful handover rather than a complete legal compliance list. Reviewed 30 October 2026.
Source and further reading: https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/your-rights-and-responsibilities