Bath rental viewing checklist
Use a printable checklist to record a rental’s condition, costs, access and unanswered questions, then compare homes using evidence.
A good viewing record separates what you saw from what someone told you. Mark each point Observed, Needs clarification or Not checked. An attractive room and an unresolved repair can both belong in the same record.
The checklist is an observation aid. It cannot certify a building, diagnose a defect or establish that every legal requirement has been met.
Before the appointment
Save the advert and note the advertised rent, included bills, furnishing and tenancy arrangement. Bring your essential requirements, a tape measure if useful, and a way to take notes. Ask permission before photographing occupied rooms; avoid recording other people's private belongings or documents.
If sharing, agree who will record condition, costs and journeys. Anyone who cannot attend should still have the chance to see the actual proposed room and ask questions. Tell someone where you are going and keep your own travel arrangements in mind.
The printable viewing record
Property reference: ____________________ Date and time: ____________________
| Area to check | Observable prompt or question | Observed / needs clarification / not checked |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance and shared access | Try the route you would use with luggage, a buggy or a mobility aid; note steps and door widths relevant to you | ____________________ |
| Bedrooms | Compare usable space, furniture, light and the location of sockets; identify which room is actually offered | ____________________ |
| Walls, windows and ceilings | Record any visible staining, damp patch or damage by location and extent; ask about its history | ____________________ |
| Ventilation and heating | Ask how the controls work and whether you can see the heating demonstrated; record what was not tested | ____________________ |
| Kitchen and bathroom | Note water pressure, visible leaks, storage, extractor operation and the condition of supplied appliances | ____________________ |
| Shared areas | Check access routes, bin storage, bicycle arrangements and how communal areas are maintained | ____________________ |
| Safety information | Ask for the relevant gas and electrical records, alarm arrangements and any applicable HMO licence | ____________________ |
| Utilities and bills | Locate meters where possible; ask which bills are included, how they are split and about any usage limits | ____________________ |
| Repairs before moving | Write down the precise work promised, who will do it and the proposed completion date | ____________________ |
| Street and journey | Note the visit time, traffic or noise you actually observed, walking route and nearby stop you would use | ____________________ |
Add a second page for photographs and detailed notes. “Not checked” is a useful result: it tells you where further evidence is needed.
Ask for records that answer a specific question
The government's safety guidance covers landlord responsibilities for gas equipment, electrical safety and fire precautions. Use the specialist alarm guidance for current smoke and carbon monoxide requirements, rather than assuming a visible alarm is sufficient.
For any record shown, compare the property address, date, relevant parts of the home and any follow-up work. A report's existence is not proof that remedial work has been completed. Ask for clarification where the report records an issue.
If it is a shared house, HMO status and licensing need their own checks. Neither the presence nor the absence of a quick online search result settles every licensing question.
A fictional completed example
| Item | Record | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom window | Observed: window opened during the viewing | None recorded |
| Dark patch above bathroom window | Needs clarification: photographed with permission; cause not established | Ask about previous investigation and planned work |
| Evening noise | Not checked: appointment was at 11:00 on a weekday | Revisit the public street in the evening if practical |
| Broadband | Agent said “included”; speed and usage terms not supplied | Request the relevant agreement wording |
This is an invented illustration of record-keeping, not a report about a Bath property. It avoids turning a visual observation into a technical conclusion.
Check the surroundings for your routine
Try the route from the front door to the stop or destination you would use. Consider gradients, crossings, lighting and carrying shopping. Check resident parking eligibility with B&NES for the actual address; a nearby parking bay is not a promise of a permit or a space.
After the viewing
Send a concise list of unresolved questions to the provider and keep the reply. Record agreed repairs in the paperwork before making a decision. Use the viewing comparison tool to compare observations and the budget tool to compare the full monthly cost.
If you move in, repeat a more detailed condition record using moving in and inventories. A viewing note and a move-in inventory describe different moments.
Sources & further reading
- GOV.UK — A landlord’s safety responsibilities Checked 2026-11-03
- GOV.UK — Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations guidance Checked 2026-11-03
- B&NES Council — HMO licence types and scheme status Checked 2026-11-03
- B&NES Council — Resident parking permits Checked 2026-11-03