Moving into a new Providence rental house can be an exciting experience. How can you ensure your security deposit is secured? A walkthrough check after the move-in process. Regardless of whether your landlord offers a walkthrough checklist, you should still conduct one. It’s crucial to do the following tips to get the most out of your move-in tour.
Get Personal
An in-person walkthrough cannot be replaced by any other method. A friendly Providence property manager may claim to have inspected the property for you, but you should still perform your own inspection. You might find maintenance or other issues that were overlooked in the report, even though the majority of landlords won’t be trying to intentionally fool you. If you don’t thoroughly assess every part of your rental property, you may end up paying to replace things that were broken before your occupancy.
Use a Checklist
To make use of your move-in walkthrough, it is essential to evaluate each component of your rental home with attention. Use a walkthrough checklist to make sure nothing has been overlooked. Sometimes property managers will provide a list; others may not. There are several lists and guidelines available for download online if yours doesn’t. Making an inventory can help you focus your walkthrough and ensure nothing is missed. Also, you can apply your checklist as a comparison tool once you move out.
Check for Potential Hazards
You can make sure you perform a comprehensive move-in inspection by using a checklist. Taking note of any potential health and safety hazards that might not be apparent at first sight is also crucial. Test the appliances and smoke alarms, for instance, to make sure they are in good working order in your new rental house. If your landlord has not provided it, request paperwork regarding the presence of lead paint or asbestos. Before settling in, find out everything you can about the rental home because these compounds have the potential to create major health problems.
Document Everything
Going beyond simply marking off items is important to make the most of your move-in evaluation. To completely shield your security deposit against unjustified repair expenses, you must document every part of the property’s condition before moving in. Make detailed notes, either on the checklist or on a single sheet; make note of condition concerns, locations, and whatever else, no matter how little. Most landlords would not ask you to replace an entire kitchen floor due to a single broken linoleum spot, but some might. Using a camera to snap images of the place while you explore is a great approach. Be sure to take a range of close-up and wide-angle photographs and store them in a secure location.
Report Maintenance Issues
Address any maintenance concerns you find as soon as your walkthrough and documentation are finished. Leaky faucets, busted blinds or toilet seats, and faulty light switches or outlets may not seem like a significant concern, but if something is broken or not working before you move in, you must inform the property manager straightaway. To make sure you have documentation of the reported difficulties, send them something in writing if at all possible. This will guard your security deposit when you vacate in addition to shielding you from unfair charges.
Getting the most out of your move-in walkthrough involves some work, but it is rewarding. The only step to secure you receive your security deposit back is to diligently document the move-in condition of your rental property.
Are you seeking a new residence? Real Property Management Cache Valley has the one for you! You can browse our listings online or call us at 435-753-5200.
Originally Published on July 17, 2020
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
