DIY InventoryRenting in Elmbridge: check-in and getting your deposit back
What to check when you move in, how to protect your deposit, and where renters in Elmbridge can get help.
Homes to rent in Elmbridge
Elmbridge is a commuter borough beside the Thames, south-west of London, with some of the highest house prices outside the capital. Homes range from large detached houses on private estates in Weybridge, Cobham and Esher to inter-war semis in Molesey and Hersham and modern flats near the town centres. Private lets include high-value family houses as well as flats. Homes near the Thames, Mole and Wey are in areas at risk of flooding.
Average rent: £1,891 a month (ONS, August 2026), up 2.6% 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 Elmbridge homes
- Large detached houses: photograph every room from fixed points, plus gardens, gates, garages and any alarm panels, and note the number of keys, remotes and fobs.
- Riverside homes near the Thames, Mole and Wey: photograph any damp tide marks, air bricks and flood barriers left for the tenant.
- Homes with high-end fittings: photograph appliance makes and models, worktops and wooden floors closely, as damage to them is costly to dispute.
- Modern flats near the town centres: photograph the entry system, bin store and parking space, and note fob and key counts.
- Gardens, which are often large: photograph lawns, hedges, patios and sheds, and note any gardener included in the rent.
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 Elmbridge Borough Council's environmental health team, which deals with private rented housing and can take action against landlords. Elmbridge Borough Council: private renting.
Renting in Elmbridge: questions
What should I check when I move into a rented home in Elmbridge?
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 Elmbridge get help?
Tenants with disrepair, damp or safety problems can contact Elmbridge Borough Council's environmental health team, which deals with private rented housing and can 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.