DIY InventoryRenting in Slough: check-in and getting your deposit back
What to check when you move in, how to protect your deposit, and where renters in Slough can get help.
Homes to rent in Slough
Slough has one of the largest private rented sectors in the South East: almost a third of households rented privately in 2021, and the share grew faster here than anywhere else in the region. Much of it is Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Chalvey and Upton, inter-war semis, and office blocks converted to flats in the town centre. Shared houses and houses with outbuildings let as separate homes have been a long-standing concern. Being next to Heathrow and on the Elizabeth line keeps demand high.
Average rent: £1,565 a month (ONS, August 2026), up 2.2% 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 Slough homes
- Converted office blocks in the town centre: note fob, key and post box counts, and photograph windows, ventilation and any condensation or mould.
- Terraces in Chalvey and Upton: photograph rear gardens and any outbuildings, and note whether any outbuilding is part of the let at all.
- Shared houses: photograph each bedroom lock, fire doors, smoke alarms and the shared kitchen, and check whether a licence is needed once the 2026 proposals are decided.
- Homes near Heathrow in Colnbrook and Langley: record the windows and any secondary glazing or acoustic insulation provided.
- Post-war estate homes in Britwell and Cippenham: photograph fencing, sheds and gardens, and the condition of the boiler and radiators.
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 Slough Borough Council's private sector housing team, which can inspect homes and take action against landlords. Slough Borough Council: private renting.
Renting in Slough: questions
What should I check when I move into a rented home in Slough?
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 Slough get help?
Tenants with disrepair, damp or safety problems can contact Slough 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.