The Moving Journal / Practical notes
A practical London tenancy guide for moving in and out
Keep the tenancy documents, inventory and practical moving plan together, but do not treat them as interchangeable. Each answers a different question about the home, the agreement and the handover.
Check the current tenancy framework.
England’s private-renting rules changed from 1 May 2026. The position of an individual tenancy can involve transitional details, so use the current official tenant overview and the guidance linked from it. This moving guide does not replace advice about a formal notice or dispute.
Keep the agreement and the records supplied with it accessible. Ask who is responsible for reporting repairs, how access is arranged and where important correspondence should be sent. Save copies of agreed changes rather than relying on an informal conversation.
Record what is actually there.
At move-in, compare the inventory with the property and its contents. Take clear condition photographs where appropriate, identify any discrepancy and report it through the agreed process. Repeat the practical record at move-out without assuming every mark is a cleaning issue.
Keep deposits, rent, maintenance and cleaning on separate tracks. Use current guidance for any formal rights or deadline. For a planned departure, the notice-letter guide helps organise the information needed before sending a letter.
| Record | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Agreement and updates | The tenancy arrangements |
| Inventory and condition evidence | What was present and in what condition |
| Repair correspondence | Reported problems and responses |
| Payment records | Amounts and dates |
| Moving and cleaning details | Practical appointment and handover plan |
Plan the transition between homes.
Check entry dates, transport, belongings and utilities before booking the final appointments. Explain parking and building restrictions to anyone attending. Keep an essentials bag separate and agree how keys will be returned.
Use the moving plan and cleaning checklist for the practical work. If you choose a tenancy clean, confirm scope and price without treating it as a guarantee of a deposit outcome.