DIY InventoryRenting in Warwick: check-in and getting your deposit back
What to check when you move in, how to protect your deposit, and where renters in Warwick can get help.
Homes to rent in Warwick
Warwick district is centred on Leamington Spa, whose Regency and Victorian terraces have largely been converted to flats, and on the historic county town of Warwick. Students of the University of Warwick live mainly in Leamington and Kenilworth, so shared houses are common, and the council licenses most HMOs district-wide. Large new estates have been built south of Warwick and Leamington, while the rural west has older cottages and farm conversions. Rents are among the highest in the West Midlands.
Average rent: £1,244 a month (ONS, September 2026), up 2.0% 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 Warwick homes
- Stucco-fronted Regency and Victorian flats in Leamington: photograph sash windows, cornicing, high ceilings and any damp in basement flats.
- Student shared houses in Leamington and Kenilworth: record each bedroom's lock, furniture and fire doors, and check the HMO licence is displayed.
- Flats in converted townhouses: note communal hallway condition, fire alarms, entry phones and the number of keys and fobs.
- New-build homes at Warwick Gates, Chase Meadow and south Leamington: photograph flooring, sealant around baths and any snagging marks.
- Older cottages in Warwick and the villages: check low beams, uneven floors, open fireplaces and the condition of timber windows.
- Gardens and parking in terraced streets: photograph bin storage, garden fences and any parking permits handed over.
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
Warwick District Council's Private Sector Housing team deals with disrepair, unsafe conditions and HMO licensing in private rented homes. Warwick District Council: private renting.
Renting in Warwick: questions
What should I check when I move into a rented home in Warwick?
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 Warwick get help?
Warwick District Council's Private Sector Housing team deals with disrepair, unsafe conditions and HMO licensing in private rented homes.
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.