DIY InventoryRenting in Braintree: check-in and getting your deposit back
What to check when you move in, how to protect your deposit, and where renters in Braintree can get help.
Homes to rent in Braintree
Braintree district is mostly owner-occupied, with about one in seven households renting privately. The rented stock is mainly terraced and semi-detached houses in Braintree, Witham and Halstead, plus flats in the town centres and newer estates. Witham and Braintree draw London and Chelmsford commuters, and large new estates continue to be built around both towns. The rural north of the district has many period and listed cottages, some off the gas network.
Average rent: £1,217 a month (ONS, July 2026), up 2.8% on a year earlier. Source
On moving-in day
- Before unpacking, photograph every room: a wide shot, then each item, with the date and time on every photo.
- Photograph the meters (gas, electricity, water) and write down the readings.
- Count the keys and fobs, and test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Note anything worn, marked or not working, and send it to the landlord or agent within a few days.
Things to look at in Braintree homes
- Timber-framed and listed cottages in Coggeshall and the villages: photograph beams, uneven floors, plaster cracks and any damp patches at low level.
- Crittall-style metal windows in Silver End and older homes: photograph frames, catches and any rust or condensation on the glazing.
- Rural homes off the gas network: photograph the oil tank or LPG tank, its gauge level and the boiler.
- New-build estates around Witham and Great Notley: note shared parking bays, management company bin areas and any snagging marks.
- Flats above shops in Braintree and Halstead town centres: photograph the shared entrance, stairs, door entry system and keys and fobs.
- Gardens and sheds on larger family houses: photograph fences, lawn condition and outbuildings, as these often cause check-out disputes.
Your deposit
Your landlord must protect your deposit in the DPS, TDS or mydeposits within 30 days and tell you which. At the end, deductions can only be for damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning back to the check-in standard, or rent owed. A dated check-in record is your best protection.
Help from the council
Tenants can report disrepair, damp or unsafe conditions to Braintree District Council's private sector housing team, which can inspect and take enforcement action against landlords. Braintree District Council: private renting.
Renting in Braintree: questions
What should I check when I move into a rented home in Braintree?
Photograph every room and item before you unpack, with the date on each photo: walls, floors, windows, appliances, meters and keys. Note anything worn or damaged and get the landlord or agent to agree it in writing.
How do I get my deposit back?
Leave the home as you found it, allowing for fair wear and tear, and compare it with the check-in record. If you disagree with deductions, the deposit scheme’s free dispute service decides on the evidence.
Where can renters in Braintree get help?
Tenants can report disrepair, damp or unsafe conditions to Braintree District Council's private sector housing team, which can inspect and take enforcement action against landlords.
Can a tenant do the check-in inventory?
Yes. With DIY Inventory a tenant can do it on their phone and send the landlord a link to check and sign it, so both sides have the same dated record.
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