Get Personal
No substitute exists for an in-person walkthrough. The property may have been inspected for you, according to a friendly Bangor property manager, but you should still make sure everything is in order. Even though most of the landlords are not intentionally trying to deceive you, you may discover maintenance or other concerns that were omitted from 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
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 is missed. Sometimes property managers will provide a list; others may not. There are several lists and guidelines available for download online if yours doesn’t. It’s necessary to have an inventory because it will help you focus your walkthrough and make sure nothing is missed. Moreover, you can utilize your checklist for comparison purposes when you move.
Check for Potential Hazards
A checklist can help to assure that a move-in inspection is comprehensive. It is also essential to identify any potential health and safety hazards that may not be immediately apparent. For instance, make sure the appliances and smoke detectors in your new rental home are operational. Ask for proof of the presence of lead paint or asbestos if your landlord hasn’t already given it to you. Before actually moving into a rental property, it is crucial to learn everything there is to know about these hazards, which can create major health difficulties over time.
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. 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. Additionally, taking pictures of the property as you tour it is a terrific idea. Make sure to take a range of close-up and wide-angle pictures, and store your pictures safely.
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. Send them a letter if possible to ensure you have documentation of the identified problems. This will shield you from unfair accusations and safeguard your security deposit once you vacate.
Trying to make the most of your move-in walkthrough does demand additional effort, but it is well worth it. Making every effort to thoroughly document the condition of your rental house when you move in can help ensure that you get your security deposit back.
Are you trying to find a new house? Real Property Management Acadia has the one for you! You can browse our listings online or call us at 207-561-7482.
Originally Published on July 17, 2020