Renting in Waltham Forest: check-in and getting your deposit back

Homes to rent in Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest is a borough of Victorian and Edwardian terraces in the south (Leyton, Leytonstone and Walthamstow) and interwar suburbs in the north (Highams Park and Chingford). Private renting covered 27.8% of households in 2021, a little below the London average, with many terraces converted into flats. Walthamstow has many Warner-built purpose-built flats (upper and lower flats in terrace form), and new apartment blocks are going up around Lea Bridge, Blackhorse Road and the town centres.

Average rent: £1,772 a month (ONS, September 2026), up 2.4% 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 Waltham Forest homes

• Upper and lower flats in Victorian and Warner-built terraces: photograph the shared or separate front doors, the garden and who has access to it, and the separate meters.
• Sash and bay windows in the Victorian terraces: photograph cords, catches, locks and any rot on sills.
• Converted terraces often have kitchens or bathrooms in rear extensions: photograph ceilings, walls and around windows for damp and mould.
• New blocks around Lea Bridge and Blackhorse Road: photograph integrated appliances, ventilation units and balconies, and record fob, key and bike store access.
• Interwar houses in Chingford and Highams Park: photograph garages, side gates, fences and the garden, and note who maintains them.
• Photograph the boiler, stopcock and fuse board, which are often in a basement, under-stairs cupboard or loft in these houses.

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

Waltham Forest Council’s private sector housing service can inspect privately rented homes for disrepair and hazards, and deals with property licensing; tenants can contact it through the council’s housing pages. Waltham Forest Council: private renting.

Do your check-in free Moving-in checklist