Renting in Hammersmith and Fulham: check-in and getting your deposit back

Homes to rent in Hammersmith and Fulham

Private renting is the largest tenure in Hammersmith and Fulham, at more than a third of households in 2021. Most of the stock is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, often split into flats, and red-brick mansion blocks, with large council estates in White City, Shepherd's Bush and West Kensington. Riverside developments in Sands End and Fulham Reach and new towers at White City have added many new-build apartments. Rents and prices are among the highest in outer west London, and many lets are flat-shares for young professionals.

Average rent: £2,861 a month (ONS, September 2026), up 4.9% on a year earlier. Source

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 Hammersmith and Fulham homes

• Mansion blocks in Barons Court and West Kensington: photograph the communal entrance, lift and stairs, and record keys for the street door, the flat and any porter's fob.
• Victorian terraces split into flats: photograph the shared hallway, meter cupboard and fire doors, and note who is responsible for the front garden and bins.
• Loft and rear extensions in Fulham family houses: photograph rooflights, flat-roof areas visible from windows and any stains on ceilings below.
• Riverside new-builds in Sands End and Fulham Reach: photograph balcony decking and drainage, underfloor heating controls and any marks on integrated appliances.
• Original sash and bay windows: check cords, catches and seals and photograph any condensation or mould on sills and reveals.

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

Private tenants can report disrepair, damp and mould to Hammersmith & Fulham Council's private sector housing team, which first asks the landlord to fix problems and can inspect and serve notices if they don't. Hammersmith & Fulham Council: private renting.

Do your check-in free Moving-in checklist