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

Homes to rent in Peterborough

Peterborough grew rapidly as a new town from the 1970s, so much of its housing is estate homes in the townships of Bretton, Orton and Werrington, with newer building at Hampton. Older Victorian and Edwardian terraces around Millfield, New England, Central and Fletton hold much of the private rented stock, including many shared homes. About a quarter of households rent privately, and most private lets in the inner wards need a selective licence, while every HMO in the city now needs a licence.

Average rent: £1,012 a month (ONS, August 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 Peterborough homes

• Selective and HMO licensing: check the property's licence and photograph smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which are licence conditions.
• Shared houses in Millfield and New England: photograph each bedroom lock, fire doors, alarms and the shared kitchen and bathroom separately.
• Victorian terraces near the centre: record damp at the base of walls, back yards and rear alleys and where the bins are kept.
• New-town maisonettes and homes in Bretton and Orton: note shared stairways, garage blocks, flat roofs and older windows.
• New-build homes in Hampton: photograph snagging marks, sealant, parking bays and new fences and turf.
• Riverside apartments in Fletton and Woodston: note fob and key counts, intercom, parking and balconies.

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 can report disrepair, damp or unsafe conditions in privately rented homes to Peterborough City Council's housing standards team. Peterborough City Council: private renting.

Do your check-in free Moving-in checklist