Rental Handover Day: What to Record Before You Move In
A renter-friendly handover checklist for meter readings, existing damage, keys, appliances, payments and the first maintenance request.
The agreement may be signed, but the tenancy becomes real on handover day. This is when the actual condition of the home, the meter readings and the items supplied should be recorded. Twenty careful minutes now can prevent a confusing deduction months later.
Walk through before unloading
- Photograph every room in daylight, including walls, floors, ceilings and windows.
- Capture existing stains, cracks, chipped fittings and damaged furniture closely and from context.
- Test taps, flushes, drains, lights, fans, geysers, air-conditioners and supplied appliances.
- Check locks, keys, access cards, parking tags and mailbox access.
- Record electricity, gas and water meter readings where applicable.
Build a signed inventory
List furniture, appliances, remotes and keys with their visible condition. Both sides should retain the same dated version. Send the photo folder and defect list through an agreed written channel so there is a clear timestamp.
Close the payment loop
- Collect receipts or acknowledgments for deposit and advance rent.
- Confirm the monthly due date and payment account.
- Note which maintenance and utility charges are tenant-paid.
- Record the process for emergency and routine repair approval.
- Save the owner or authorised manager’s contact details separately from chat history.
Keep your own move-in folder
Store the signed agreement, payment proof, inventory, photographs, society forms and important contact details together. Local documentation and registration requirements vary, so confirm current rules with the appropriate authority or a qualified professional.
