A well-organised move-in gives residents practical information about the home and a clear way to raise questions. It also helps the landlord keep track of what has been handed over. Use this operational checklist alongside the legal requirements for the property's jurisdiction and tenancy.
Confirm the handover arrangements
Agree the date, meeting point and who will attend. Check that the home is ready and that any promised work has been completed or accurately recorded as outstanding. Do not describe an unfinished repair as resolved because a contractor has been booked.
Keep the signed tenancy paperwork and the applicable required documents organised separately from the practical welcome information. This article is not a complete legal document checklist.
Record the starting condition
Prepare a room-by-room condition record and give residents an opportunity to raise corrections. Identify furnishings and existing marks clearly. Where photographs are useful, label them so that their location and date are understandable.
Record keys and access devices, and take relevant meter readings at handover where accessible. Avoid storing photographs that unnecessarily include personal documents or people.
Explain how the home works
Demonstrate ordinary heating controls and show where useful operating instructions are kept. Explain the routine repair-reporting route and who handles urgent problems. Include practical details about waste collection and shared areas where relevant.
Do not overload the resident with a long list of instructions without allowing questions. A short written reference can support the demonstration.
Follow up on unresolved points
Keep a dated list of questions and agreed actions after move-in. Confirm who is dealing with each item and check that it is completed. A welcome process should support ongoing communication, not replace a responsive repairs service.
Editorial review: 14 October 2026. This original Property Perpetuity guide replaces the imported text; the original archive publication date is retained.