It can be thrilling to move into a new Brookline rental house. Also, now is the moment to safeguard your security deposit; how can you do this? A checkup of the house. Even if your landlord does not include a walkthrough checklist, you should conduct one. To get the most out of your move-in tour, it is essential to follow the following guidelines.
Get Personal
There is no substitute for an in-person walkthrough. Even if a helpful Brookline property manager claims to have checked the property out for you, you should still do your own inspection. 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 check every area of your rental home, you can find yourself footing the bill for fixing something that was damaged before your move in.
Use a Checklist
Examine every area of your rental home thoroughly to make the most of your move-in walkthrough. Use a walkthrough checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Some property managers might give you a checklist, while others might not. If yours does not, there are numerous lists and guidelines available for download online. An inventory is crucial because it will focus your walkthrough and make sure nothing is missed. Additionally, as you leave, you can compare your checklist with other items.
Check for Potential Hazards
A checklist can help to assure that a move-in inspection is comprehensive. In addition, it is essential to identify any potential health and safety hazards that may not be apparent at first glance. Test the appliances and smoke detectors in your new rental house, for instance, to confirm that they are operating properly. Ask for proof of the presence of asbestos or lead paint as well, if your landlord didn’t supply it. It’s crucial to learn everything you can about the rental home before moving in because these compounds have the potential to cause major health problems over time.
Document Everything
Going above and beyond simple item checking is necessary 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. Make numerous notes, either directly on the checklist or on a separate paper, including any condition issues, locations, and other details. 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. Keep your pictures in a secure location and take a range of close-up and wide-angle pictures.
Report Maintenance Issues
Once you have concluded your walkthrough and record keeping, submit any maintenance issues immediately. Broken blinds or toilet seats, leaking faucets, and busted light switches or outlets may seem inconsequential, but you must contact your property manager immediately if any of these items are damaged or malfunctioning before moving in. Send them a letter if possible to ensure you have documentation of the identified problems. This will not only defend you from false allegations but also your security deposit once you vacate the premises.
Trying to make the most of your move-in walkthrough does demand additional effort, but it is well worth it. Nothing will ensure that you receive your security deposit back more than thoroughly documenting the move-in condition of your rental property.
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Originally Published on July 17, 2020
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