Get Personal
There is no substitute for an in-person walkthrough. A nice Charlestown property manager may inform you that they have thoroughly checked the property for you, but you must still check for yourself. Even while most landlords are not intentionally trying to deceive you, you may discover maintenance or other issues that were omitted from the report. If you don’t thoroughly inspect every area of your rental home, you might have to pay to fix something that was damaged before you even moved in.
Use a Checklist
You should thoroughly examine every area of your rental home during your move-in walkthrough to make the most of it. Use a walkthrough checklist to ensure that nothing has been overlooked. Some landlords might give you a checklist; others might not. If not, there are numerous lists and manuals available for download online. It’s necessary to have an inventory because it will help you focus your walkthrough and make sure nothing is missed. Also, you can apply your checklist as a comparison tool once you move out.
Check for Potential Hazards
A checklist can help to assure that a move-in inspection is comprehensive. It’s crucial to take note of any potential risks to one’s health or safety hazards that might not be apparent at first. Test the appliances and smoke detectors in your new rental house, for instance, to confirm that they are operating properly. If your landlord has not provided it, request paperwork regarding the presence of lead paint or asbestos. Before settling into a rental property, it is essential to learn everything there is to know about the presence of these drugs, which can create long-term health problems.
Document Everything
Going above and beyond simple item checking is necessary to make the most of your move-in inspection. Before moving in, you must properly document every feature of the property’s condition to safeguard your security deposit from unjustified repair expenses. Make numerous notes, either directly on the checklist or on a separate paper, including any condition issues, locations, and other details. The majority of landlords won’t try to make you pay to replace the entire kitchen floor because of one linoleum damage, but some might. Using a camera to snap images of the property as you explore it is another excellent tactic. Keep your pictures in a secure location and take a range of close-up and wide-angle pictures.
Report Maintenance Issues
Address any maintenance concerns you find as soon as your walkthrough and documentation are finished. Damaged toilet seats, broken blinds, dripping faucets, and defective light switches or outlets might not seem like a huge concern, but if something is broken or not working before you move in, you have to alert the property manager right away. Send them a letter to ensure you have proof of the reported problems. This will not only shield you from false allegations but also save your security deposit when you move out.
Getting the most out of your move-in walkthrough involves some work, but it is rewarding. Nothing will ensure that you receive your security deposit back more than thoroughly documenting the move-in condition of your rental property.
Looking for a new residence? Real Property Management Commonwealth has the one for you! You can browse our listings online or call us at 617-299-2342.
Originally Published on July 17, 2020