Moving into a new rental property in autumn
Moving into a new property in September can feel like a fresh start. For some tenants, it might be the beginning of the academic year. For others, it could be a new job, a new city, a change in circumstances or simply the right time to move. Whatever the reason, moving at the start of autumn brings a few extra things to consider.
The weather is changing, the evenings are getting darker and the property is about to be used in a very different way than it was over the summer. That means it is worth thinking carefully about the practical side of settling in, so your new home feels comfortable, safe and easy to manage from day one.
1. Check the heating works
One of the first things to do when moving into a property in autumn is check the heating system. Even if the weather is still mild, you do not want to discover a problem the first time temperatures drop.
Make sure the boiler is working, radiators heat up properly and you know how to control the thermostat. If anything does not seem right, report it as soon as possible so it can be dealt with before the colder weather arrives.
2. Take meter readings straight away
It is always important to take meter readings when you move in, but it matters even more if you are moving at the start of a busy season. Take photos of the gas, electricity and water meters as soon as you get the keys, so you only pay for the energy you use from that point onwards.moneyhelper.org+2
If you are responsible for bills, send the readings to the suppliers promptly and set up your accounts in your name.
3. Read the inventory carefully
The inventory is there to protect both you and the landlord. Check it properly against the property and note anything that is missing, broken or already marked as damaged.moneyhelper.org+1
Take your own photos too, especially if there are marks on walls, worn flooring or anything you think could matter when you move out. It is much easier to raise issues at the start than at the end of the tenancy.
4. Find out where the important controls are
Every tenant should know where the stopcock, fuse box and meters are located, as well as how to turn off the water in an emergency.
This is one of those small things that makes a huge difference if something goes wrong. It is also worth asking how appliances work, especially the boiler, heating controls, extractor fans and any smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.
5. Watch out for damp and mould
Autumn is the time when damp and mould can start to become more noticeable. As windows are kept closed more often and the heating is used more regularly, moisture can build up quickly in a property.
Watch out for the signs – condensation, black mould around windows, peeling paint or musty smells. If you spot anything, report it early. Regularly ventilating the property and using extractor fans properly can help reduce the risk. Perhaps consider “Shock ventillation”. This is where you open windows fully for about 10 minutes twice a day to clear out stale air. The majority of the rooms’ heat is in the walls and furniture, so this just reduces humidity, improves the air quality and saves energy overall – air is cheaper to reheat than walls and furniture. You can find out more here
6. Set up your bills and council tax
If your rent does not include bills, make sure you know exactly what you need to set up. That may include electricity, gas, water, broadband and council tax.moneyhelper.org+2
If you are moving in with housemates, agree early on who will manage each bill, how payments will be split and when money will be collected. Sorting this out quickly can prevent confusion later.
7. Check windows, doors and security
With darker evenings arriving earlier, it is a good idea to make sure all windows and doors lock properly. Check that keys work, external lights are functioning and any security features are in place.
If you feel anything is not secure, tell your landlord or letting agent straight away. A new property should feel safe from the moment you move in.
8. Get organised with post and address changes
September moves often mean a lot of life admin. Make sure your bank, employer, GP, DVLA, HMRC and any subscription services have your new address.homelet.co+1
If you are moving from another rental, also check whether you need to redirect post from your previous address. It is a simple task, but it saves a lot of missed letters and hassle later.
9. Think about autumn comfort
Moving into a property in early autumn is a good time to think about comfort as well as practicality. You may want to bring extra bedding, a lamp for darker evenings, draught excluders if the property feels cold and some basic storage to help you settle in more easily.
If you are new to the area, this is also a good moment to find local shops, transport links, emergency contacts and nearby services so the property starts to feel like home.
10. Keep all your paperwork together
Once you have moved in, keep your tenancy agreement, deposit information, gas safety record, EPC and any other important documents in one safe place.
If anything needs to be checked later, you will know exactly where to find it. This is also useful if you need to refer back to the tenancy terms, contact details or move-in notes during the tenancy.
Overall
Moving into a rental property in autumn is exciting, but a little preparation goes a long way. By considering heating, safety, bills, damp, paperwork, and the small practical details, tenants can settle in more confidently and avoid unnecessary problems later on.
At Urpad, we want tenants to have a smooth, positive move-in experience no matter why they are moving. A bit of planning at the start of the tenancy can make all the difference to how comfortable and settled the property feels through the colder months
If you have any questions around moving, please get in contact, and we’ll be only too happy to talk things through.