Renting in Windsor and Maidenhead: check-in and getting your deposit back

Homes to rent in Windsor and Maidenhead

Windsor and Maidenhead is one of the most expensive areas in the South East, from Ascot's large detached houses to Thames-side villages such as Cookham and Bray. Private renting grew quickly between 2011 and 2021, helped by commuters to London and Heathrow, and by new apartment blocks in Maidenhead town centre near the Elizabeth line. Windsor has many period terraces split into flats. Much of the riverside, including Datchet, Wraysbury and parts of Eton, lies in the Thames floodplain.

Average rent: £1,801 a month (ONS, September 2026), about the same as 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 Windsor and Maidenhead homes

• Riverside homes in Datchet, Wraysbury, Eton and Cookham: photograph flood defences, airbricks, any watermarks and the condition of ground floors.
• New apartment blocks in Maidenhead town centre: record fobs, parking and bike store access, entry phones and the condition of shared areas.
• Period terraces split into flats in Windsor: photograph sash windows, communal halls and fire doors, and note meter locations.
• Large homes in Ascot and Sunningdale: photograph gardens, gates, alarms, outbuildings and any pool or tennis court in the tenancy.
• Homes under the Heathrow flight path: check window seals and any secondary glazing or noise insulation.
• Listed homes near Windsor Castle and in Eton: record original features carefully, as repairs need consent.

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

The Royal Borough's housing standards team investigates disrepair and unsafe conditions in private rented homes and licenses HMOs. Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead: private renting.

Do your check-in free Moving-in checklist