DIY InventoryRenting in Eastleigh: check-in and getting your deposit back
What to check when you move in, how to protect your deposit, and where renters in Eastleigh can get help.
Homes to rent in Eastleigh
Eastleigh borough lies between Southampton and Winchester and is mainly suburban, with the Victorian railway town of Eastleigh at its centre and large modern estates at Hedge End, Fair Oak and around. Most homes are owner-occupied family houses, with private lets in Eastleigh town's terraces and flats and across the newer estates. The borough has grown with many new-build developments in recent years. Proximity to Southampton brings demand from people working at the port, airport and university.
Average rent: £1,213 a month (ONS, June 2026), up 3.4% 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 Eastleigh homes
- Victorian terraces in Eastleigh town: photograph back yards, damp at the base of walls and the condition of sash or replacement windows.
- New-build estates in Hedge End, Fair Oak and Botley: photograph snagging marks, sealant and grout, and note any estate management charges or parking rules.
- Homes near Southampton Airport and the railway: note window types and any secondary glazing, and photograph trickle vents and seals.
- Riverside homes in Hamble and Bursledon: photograph any damp, outside metalwork and moorings or garden steps to the water.
- Flats in modern blocks: photograph the entry system, bin store and parking space, and note fob and key counts.
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 Eastleigh Borough Council's private sector housing team, which can inspect rented homes and take action against landlords. Eastleigh Borough Council: private renting.
Renting in Eastleigh: questions
What should I check when I move into a rented home in Eastleigh?
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 Eastleigh get help?
Tenants with disrepair, damp or safety problems can contact Eastleigh Borough Council's private sector housing team, which can inspect rented homes and take 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.