Renting in East Hampshire: check-in and getting your deposit back

Homes to rent in East Hampshire

East Hampshire is largely rural, with much of it in the South Downs National Park, and most homes are owner-occupied family houses. Private lets are concentrated in Alton, Petersfield, Whitehill and Bordon and the larger villages, from flats over shops and period cottages to new-build estates. Whitehill and Bordon is the main growth area, with large new developments on former army land. Many village and rural homes are older brick, flint or stone cottages, some off the gas grid.

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 East Hampshire homes

• Flint and brick cottages in the villages: photograph inside walls for damp, any timber beams and low doorways, and note open fires and chimney sweeping records.
• Homes off the gas grid: photograph the oil tank, its gauge and level, or the LPG tank, and the boiler service label.
• New-build homes in Whitehill and Bordon: photograph any snagging marks, sealant and grout, and the meter readings, and note any estate management charges or shared areas.
• Flats over shops in Alton and Petersfield: photograph the separate entrance, stairs, fire doors and smoke alarms, and note the key count for each door.
• Rural homes with private drainage: photograph the septic tank or treatment plant cover and note when it was last emptied.
• Large gardens common in the district: photograph lawns, hedges, sheds and fences from fixed points so they can be compared at check-out.

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 with disrepair, damp or safety problems can contact East Hampshire District Council's private sector housing team, which can inspect rented homes and take action against landlords. East Hampshire District Council: private renting.

Do your check-in free Moving-in checklist