What must happen before keys are released?

[[right-to-rent-england|Right to Rent]] verified, AST signed, deposit collected, and compliance documents ready to hand over.

When must the deposit be protected?

Within 30 days of receipt. Serve [[prescribed-information-england|prescribed information]] within the same period.

Which documents must tenants receive at move-in?

How to Rent guide, gas safety certificate, EICR, EPC, and a copy of the signed AST. Provide the [[inventory-check-in-england|inventory]] after check-in.

Does the Renters' Rights Act change setup steps?

From 2026, new tenancies will be periodic under the [[renters-rights-act-england|Renters' Rights Act]] with PRS Database registration required. Update your checklist accordingly.

For Letting Agents9 min readLast reviewed 4 July 2026

New Tenancy Setup Checklist for Agents in England

A printable move-in checklist covering referencing, Right to Rent, AST, deposit protection, prescribed information, inventories, and compliance copies.

Key takeaways

New tenancies trigger multiple legal deadlines within the first 30 days.
Deposit protection and prescribed information failures invalidate Section 21.
Right to Rent checks must complete before keys are handed over.
Tenants must receive gas, EICR, and EPC copies at tenancy start.
A thorough inventory at check-in protects deposit deductions at end.
PRS Database registration will apply to new ASTs under the Renters' Rights Act from 2026.

Pre move-in

Tenant referencing completed and passed.
Right to Rent check completed and recorded.

New Tenancy Setup Checklist for Agents in England

Key takeaways

Pre move-in

Documentation and legal

Check-in day

Within 7 days of move-in

Frequently asked questions

Stop chasing certificates. Start tracking them.