DIY InventoryRenting in South Kesteven: check-in and getting your deposit back
What to check when you move in, how to protect your deposit, and where renters in South Kesteven can get help.
Homes to rent in South Kesteven
South Kesteven runs from Grantham in the north to Stamford and the Deepings in the south. Grantham has Victorian terraces, post-war estates and large new developments, and is where most HMOs are; Stamford is known for its limestone Georgian houses and is far more expensive. Bourne and the Deepings have grown with new-build estates for commuters to Peterborough. Private renting rose to nearly one in five households by 2021, and RAF bases nearby add demand for family lets.
Average rent: £841 a month (ONS, June 2026), about the same as 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 Kesteven homes
- Victorian terraces in Grantham: record the back yard, rear gate, gutters and any damp on rear walls and in cellars.
- Stone Georgian houses in Stamford: photograph sash windows, shutters, fireplaces and any damp on solid walls; many are listed, so note original features.
- New-build estates in Bourne, the Deepings and south Grantham: photograph snagging items, sealant, paintwork and the garden.
- Shared houses in Grantham: photograph each bedroom lock, fire doors, smoke alarms and the shared kitchen, and check the HMO licence for five or more sharers.
- Village homes off the gas grid: record the oil tank and gauge level or LPG tank, and any septic tank or treatment plant cover.
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 Kesteven District Council's Private Sector Housing team, which can inspect homes and take action against landlords. South Kesteven District Council: private renting.
Renting in South Kesteven: questions
What should I check when I move into a rented home in South Kesteven?
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 Kesteven get help?
Tenants with disrepair, damp or safety problems can contact South Kesteven District 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.
Ready when you have the keys
Record your South Kesteven home’s condition today, on your phone.
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