Renting in Middlesbrough: check-in and getting your deposit back

Homes to rent in Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough grew fast in the Victorian era, and dense terraced streets around the town centre in Newport, Gresham, Abingdon and North Ormesby still make up much of the private rented stock. About one in five households rent privately, with student lets near Teesside University and selective licensing in parts of Newport. The south of the town, around Acklam, Marton and Nunthorpe, is mainly owner-occupied suburban housing.

Average rent: £709 a month (ONS, March 2026), up 8.4% 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 Middlesbrough homes

• Victorian terraces in Newport and Gresham: photograph the back yard, alley gate, gutters and any damp on rear walls and in back kitchens.
• Student houses near Teesside University: photograph each bedroom lock, fire doors, smoke alarms and the shared kitchen.
• Homes in the selective licensing areas: photograph the licence and check it shows the right address and expiry date.
• Older terraces with solid walls: record mould or condensation in bedrooms and bathrooms, and check extractor fans work.
• Flats in the town centre and Middlehaven: note the shared entrance, intercom, fire doors and the number of keys and fobs.

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 or safety concerns can contact Middlesbrough Council's private sector housing team, which runs the selective licensing scheme and can inspect homes. Middlesbrough Council: private renting.

Do your check-in free Moving-in checklist