Renting in City of London: check-in and getting your deposit back

Homes to rent in City of London

The City of London has very few homes (around 8,600 residents in 2021), and almost all are flats. Nearly half of households (48.3%) rented privately in 2021, the highest share in England, many in flats on the Barbican and other estates let by leaseholders. The Corporation owns the Golden Lane, Middlesex Street and Mansell Street estates, and there are newer apartment blocks around Aldgate and Farringdon. The ONS does not publish average rents for the City because too few lets are recorded.

On moving-in day

1. Before unpacking, photograph every room: a wide shot, then each item, with the date and time on every photo.
2. Photograph the meters (gas, electricity, water) and write down the readings.
3. Count the keys and fobs, and test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
4. Note anything worn, marked or not working, and send it to the landlord or agent within a few days.

Things to look at in City of London homes

• Barbican flats: photograph the original fitted kitchens, Garchey waste units where they survive, underfloor or ceiling heating controls and the balcony planters.
• Listed estate flats in the Barbican and Golden Lane: photograph original fittings and finishes close up, as many cannot be changed without consent.
• Record every fob, key and car park or storage cage key, and note the estate office’s rules on moving in and lift booking.
• Flats in converted warehouses and offices: photograph exposed brick, large windows and any comfort cooling units.
• New apartment towers at Aldgate: photograph integrated appliances, ventilation units and balcony doors, and note concierge and parcel arrangements.
• Photograph meter readings, which are often in a communal cupboard or read remotely, and ask which heating costs are in the service charge.

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

The City of London Corporation’s environmental health and housing services can deal with disrepair and hazards in privately rented homes in the Square Mile. City of London Corporation: private renting.

Do your check-in free Moving-in checklist