Get Personal
An in-person walkthrough cannot be replaced by any other method. The property may have been inspected for you, according to a friendly Goose Creek property manager, but you should still make sure everything is in order. Although the bulk of landlords won’t be trying to fool you on purpose, you still might find maintenance or other issues that weren’t mentioned in the report. 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
Viewing every aspect of your rental property with attention can help you make the most of your move-in walkthrough. Use a walkthrough checklist to guarantee you haven’t skipped anything. A checklist might be offered to you by some property managers, but not by others. If yours does not, you can get numerous lists and guidelines from the Internet. An inventory is essential because it focuses your walkthrough and prevents you from missing anything. In addition, once you leave, you can compare things on your checklist.
Check for Potential Hazards
An exhaustive move-in examination can be ensured with the use of a checklist. In addition, it is essential to identify any potential health and safety hazards that may not be apparent at first glance. For instance, be sure the appliances and smoke detectors in the new rental home are functioning properly. Ask for proof of the presence of asbestos or lead paint as well, if your landlord didn’t supply it. Before moving in, it’s vital to learn everything you can about the rental home because these contaminants have the potential to cause major health problems over time.
Document Everything
It takes more than just crossing things off to make the most of your move-in inspection. You must meticulously and completely document every detail of the property’s condition before moving in to properly safeguard your security deposit from unauthorized repair expenditures. Write down as many details as you can, whether they are on the checklist or a separate page, paying attention to even the smallest concerns with conditions or locations. Most landlords won’t try to make you pay to redo the entire kitchen floor because of a single damaged linoleum, but some may. 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
After you have finished your walkthrough and documentation, submit any maintenance problems right away. Broken toilet seats or blinds, dripping faucets, and malfunctioning light switches or outlets may not seem serious, but if anything is broken or not functioning properly before you move in, you must notify the property manager right away. Give them something in writing if you can to make sure you have documentation of the reported problems. This will not only defend you from false allegations but also your security deposit once you vacate the premises.
While it may require some more work, making the most of your move-in walkthrough is worthwhile. 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 trying to find a new house? Real Property Management Charleston has the one for you! You can browse our listings online or call us at 843-900-4061.
Originally Published on July 17, 2020