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For tenantsRenting in South Derbyshire: check-in and getting your deposit back
What to check when you move in, how to protect your deposit, and where renters in South Derbyshire can get help.
Homes to rent in South Derbyshire
South Derbyshire is one of the fastest-growing districts in the East Midlands, with large new-build estates around Swadlincote, Hilton and the southern edge of Derby. Older homes include Victorian terraces in Swadlincote and Woodville from the area's clay, pottery and coal industries, and Georgian brick houses in Melbourne and Repton. Most households own their home and private renting is below average. The National Forest covers much of the south of the district.
Average rent: £879 a month (ONS, July 2026), up 4.4% 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 South Derbyshire homes
- New-build estates around Swadlincote, Hilton and Stenson Fields: photograph snagging items, sealant, paintwork and the garden, and note who maintains shared areas.
- Victorian terraces in Swadlincote and Woodville: record the back yard, rear gate, gutters and any cracks or damp, as some homes stand on old mining land.
- Georgian cottages in Melbourne and Repton: photograph sash windows, chimney breasts and any damp on solid walls.
- Homes near the River Trent: check ground floors, gardens and outbuildings for signs of past flooding.
- Village homes off the gas grid: photograph the oil tank and gauge level or LPG tank, and any wood burner.
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 South Derbyshire District Council's Environmental Health team, which can inspect privately rented homes and take action against landlords. South Derbyshire District Council: private renting.
Renting in South Derbyshire: questions
What should I check when I move into a rented home in South Derbyshire?
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 South Derbyshire get help?
Tenants with disrepair, damp or safety problems can contact South Derbyshire District Council's Environmental Health team, which can inspect privately rented 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.
Ready when you have the keys
Record your South Derbyshire home’s condition today, on your phone.
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