Viewing checklist for tenants: what to check and what to ask
A checklist to take to a viewing in England: the condition of the home, the safety certificates, the money you can and cannot be asked for, and the questions to ask before you apply.
England. Checked against the law on 27 September 2026. Information, not legal advice.
When to use this
Take it to every viewing, on paper or on your phone. It helps you compare homes and spot problems before you pay anything. It also reminds you what a landlord or agent in England is allowed to ask you to pay.
How to fill it in
- Fill in one checklist per home, on the day, while you remember.
- Take photos if the person showing you round agrees.
- Write down who you spoke to and what they told you.
- Ask for anything important to be confirmed in writing before you pay a holding deposit.
The template
Viewing checklist
Address or area: [address]
Date and time of viewing: [date, time]
Shown round by: [name], [landlord / agent]
Advertised rent: [amount] per [month / week]
The home
| Check | What you found |
|---|---|
| Damp, mould or a musty smell (look behind furniture and in corners) | [notes] |
| Heating: what type, and does it work | [notes] |
| Hot water and water pressure (run a tap and the shower) | [notes] |
| Windows and doors open, close and lock | [notes] |
| Smoke alarm on every floor | [yes / no] |
| Carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a boiler or fire | [yes / no] |
| Sockets, lights and switches look safe | [notes] |
| Kitchen appliances: which are included, and do they work | [notes] |
| Signs of pests | [notes] |
| Phone signal and broadband | [notes] |
| Outside: roof, gutters, bins, garden, parking | [notes] |
| Furniture: what stays | [notes] |
Questions to ask
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I see the gas safety record, the electrical report and the EPC? | [answer] |
| Which scheme will protect the deposit? | [answer] |
| How much is the deposit? (no more than five weeks' rent) | [answer] |
| Is there a holding deposit? (no more than one week's rent) | [answer] |
| How much rent is paid in advance? (no more than one month) | [answer] |
| Which bills do I pay, and what is the council tax band? | [answer] |
| Who do I report repairs to, and how? | [answer] |
| Is the home managed by the landlord or by an agent? | [answer] |
| Does the home need a licence from the council, and does it have one? | [answer] |
| When is it available? | [answer] |
Overall
What I liked: [notes]
What worried me: [notes]
To be confirmed in writing: [list]
What happens next
If you apply, the rent is the advertised rent: a landlord or agent cannot invite or accept offers above it. You cannot be charged admin, referencing or inventory fees. Before the tenancy starts you should be given a written statement of terms. If you are asked for a payment that looks banned, ask for it in writing and check the fees guide. Citizens Advice and Shelter give free help if something does not look right.
Information about the law in England, not legal advice. Checked on the date shown.
Where this comes from
Questions about this template
Can I be asked to offer more than the advertised rent?
No. Since 1 May 2026 a landlord or agent in England cannot invite or accept offers above the advertised rent.
How much can a holding deposit be?
No more than one week's rent. It is returned or put towards the tenancy unless you pull out or gave false information.
Can I ask to see the certificates at a viewing?
Yes. You are entitled to the gas safety record, the electrical report and the EPC, so it is reasonable to ask to see them before you apply.
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