DIY InventoryRenting in Rushmoor: check-in and getting your deposit back
What to check when you move in, how to protect your deposit, and where renters in Rushmoor can get help.
Homes to rent in Rushmoor
Rushmoor is made up of the twin towns of Aldershot and Farnborough, both shaped by the army and aviation. Older terraces sit near the town centres and the former military areas, with large post-war estates around them and big new developments such as Wellesley on former army land. Around one in five households rents privately, a share that grew between 2011 and 2021. Many rented homes are flats in converted terraces and newer apartment blocks near the stations.
Average rent: £1,342 a month (ONS, November 2025), up 6.7% 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 Rushmoor homes
- New-build homes at Wellesley: photograph snagging items, sealant around baths and any marks on fresh paintwork, as these get disputed.
- Apartment blocks near Aldershot and Farnborough stations: note fob, key and parking permit counts, and the bin and bike store access.
- Victorian terraces in Aldershot and North Camp: photograph sash or replacement windows, chimney breasts and any damp in rear rooms.
- Flats over shops in the town centres: record the condition of the street door, stairs, smoke alarms and any noise or smell from the shop below.
- Post-war estate houses in Cove and North Town: photograph fences, sheds, garages and the condition of the garden, as these are often in the inventory.
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 Rushmoor Borough Council's Private Sector Housing Team, which can inspect homes and take action against landlords. Rushmoor Borough Council: private renting.
Renting in Rushmoor: questions
What should I check when I move into a rented home in Rushmoor?
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 Rushmoor get help?
Tenants with disrepair, damp or safety problems can contact Rushmoor Borough Council's Private Sector Housing Team, which can inspect 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.