With September and October just around the corner, a new wave of Students will soon be moving into properties across the country. For many, this will be their first time living away from home – and while the excitement is high, experience with household maintenance is often low.
A clear, friendly Moving In Pack can set expectations from day one, helping students understand how to look after their new home, avoid common mistakes, and protect your investment. It also reduces the risk of mid-tenancy issues and helps ensure a smoother relationship for everyone.
Below, you’ll find 10 practical, student-friendly tips you can include in your Moving In Pack. They’re written in plain language, perfect for first-time renters, and will help keep your property in good condition while giving students the confidence to look after it.
We also advise that it is well worth the investment in time to take 30 minutes or so to meet the tenants at the property to show them where the fuse box, gas shut-off, water stop tap, and heating controls are. If something stops working, knowing these basics can save a lot of time and avoidable call out charges for both the landlord and tenants.
1. Report Issues Early
If something breaks or leaks, don’t wait – tell your landlord or agent straight away. Problems are much easier (and cheaper) to fix early on and if left, could incur tenant charges for additional works which could have been avoided
2. Ventilate to Avoid Damp
Open windows for 10-15 minutes each day, especially after showers or cooking. This helps prevent condensation and mould.
3. Keep it Clean
Regularly clean kitchens and bathrooms to stop grime building up. Little and often is easier than a big, unpleasant job at the end of term.
4. Look After Furniture & Fixtures
Don’t use blu-tack on walls or cut directly on worktops. If you break something, be honest – small accidents are easier to sort than hidden damage.
5. Skip the Adhesive LED Lights
While LED strip lights look great, the adhesive backing can peel paint and damage walls when removed. This means costly redecoration – chargeable to the tenants.
6. Be Rubbish Smart
Learn your local bin and recycling days. Overflowing bins can cause pest problems and complaints from neighbours.
7. Use Appliances Properly
Follow the instructions for the washing machine, oven, and any other appliances. It’ll save energy, reduce faults, and avoid repair costs.
8. Respect the Neighbours
Keep noise down, especially late at night. A good relationship with neighbours makes life easier for everyone.
9. Be Energy-Wise
Switch off lights and unplug chargers when not in use. It’ll help the planet – and your bills.
10. Leave It How You Found It
When you move out, clean the property thoroughly and return keys on time. This is the best way to make sure you avoid end of tenancy charges for cleaning.
