Moving into a rented flat in India — the complete checklist

By Smart Kiraya Team · Updated

Quick answer

Before moving: sign the e-stamped agreement, pay the deposit traceably, and photograph every room. On day one: record electricity/water meter readings, count keys, test every appliance. Within the first month: police verification, update your address for banking and deliveries, and set rent to auto-remind.

Before you move (the week prior)

  • Agreement signed by both parties, e-stamped, copy saved (on Smart Kiraya it's on your booking).
  • Deposit and first rent paid by UPI/bank transfer — the transaction trail is your receipt.
  • Date-stamped photos or video of every room, wall, fitting and existing damage, shared with the landlord.
  • Confirm what's included: parking spot, maintenance charges, society move-in rules and any move-in charges levied by the RWA/society.
  • Book movers 4–7 days ahead; weekday moves are cheaper.

On moving day

  1. Meter readings — Photograph electricity and water meters — you only owe usage from today.
  2. Keys — Count and test every key/access card; note the count in writing with the landlord.
  3. Systems check — Run every tap, geyser, AC, switch and flush once. Report anything broken in writing the same day — it predates you.
  4. Wi-Fi — Fibre installation slots run 2–5 days in most cities; book it now if not already done.

Your first month

  • Police tenant verification — mandatory in many cities and always sensible; usually a quick online form.
  • Update addresses: bank, UPI apps, deliveries, employer records, and DigiLocker if you use it.
  • Set a rent reminder (or standing instruction) for the due date in your agreement.
  • Meet the neighbours and note the society's emergency contacts — plumber, electrician, security desk.
💡 Tip: Keep a single folder (physical or cloud) with: agreement, deposit receipt, move-in photos, meter photos and landlord correspondence. Every deposit dispute you'll ever win lives in that folder.

Protect your deposit next

Frequently asked questions

Who handles police verification — tenant or landlord?

Formally it's the landlord's obligation, but tenants often complete the form together with them. It protects both parties and takes minutes online in most cities.

What are fair maintenance charges?

Whatever the agreement assigns — clarify BEFORE signing whether society maintenance is inside the rent or on top of it, and who pays for repairs of appliances that came with the flat.

Can the landlord visit whenever they like?

No — once let, the premises are yours to peacefully occupy. Reasonable practice (write it in): visits with 24-hour notice, at agreed times.