If you’re reading this post, you’re probably about to move into a new apartment or rented home. This post will give you some tips on how to set yourself up for success if anything goes wrong during your time in your new place.
Once you move in, one of the first things you’ll want to do is an initial look around for any damage that was there before you moved in. The point of this initial inspection is to identify issues with the unit that were there before you moved in, so that you are not charged for them when you move out. In other words, this step helps in trying to keep your security deposit.
If there is not a formal move-in inspection with your landlord, you can do your own. Your landlord might give you a checklist, or there are some good options online. Otherwise, you can make note of any pre-existing damage.
In the first few days of moving in make a list electrically or by hand. Write (1) your name (2) your address and (3) your move-in date. Then, go through your new unit very carefully. Break the list into subsections by room and note any issues that were there before you moved in. For example:
| Hallway | Bathroom | Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Scuff on the floor by the front door | Crack in tile next to the sink
Lack of caulking on the bathtub |
Scratch on the fridge |
Go room by room and note anything that is not in great condition. Attention to detail here is important. If you don’t note it now, your landlord can take the cost for repairs out of your security deposit when you move out. Take date-stamped pictures for extra security. Make sure the pictures are in color, use a wide angle to show exactly what and where the problem is, and ensure nothing is distracting from the issue in the photo. Make sure you have two copies of this self-inspection. Send one to your landlord for their files and keep the other for yourself. Keep any texts or emails that you sent your landlord the self-inspection. If you follow these steps, you shouldn’t be charged for any damage to the unit that was done before you moved in. Contact an attorney if there is a disagreement about damages when you move out. Any damage beyond wear and tear is the responsibility of the tenant.
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