It can be thrilling to move into a new Fall River rental house. What steps should you take to secure your security deposit? A walkthrough check after the move-in process. Even if your landlord does not include a walkthrough checklist, you should conduct one. Use the following advice to get the most out of your move-in walkthrough.
Get Personal
An in-person walkthrough is unmatched by anything else. Even if a helpful Fall River property manager claims to have checked the property out for you, you should still do 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 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 nothing is missed. Some property managers might give you a checklist, while others might not. There are several lists and guidelines available for download online if yours doesn’t. 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
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. Check the appliances and smoke alarms in your new rental home, for instance, to be sure they are working properly. Ask for proof of the presence of lead paint or asbestos if your landlord hasn’t already given it to you. 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
To make the most of your move-in inspection, you must do more than simply mark off items on a list. You must diligently and fully document every part of the property’s state before moving in to properly protect your security deposit from erroneous repair charges. 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. The majority of landlords will not attempt to ask you to repair an entire kitchen floor for a single damaged linoleum tile, but some may. Taking images of the house as you explore it is a fantastic additional option. Make sure to take a range of close-up and wide-angle pictures, and store your pictures safely.
Report Maintenance Issues
Report any maintenance issues you find as soon as you’ve finished your walkthrough and documentation. 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. 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.
Attempting to make the most of your move-in walkthrough does need some more work, but it’s beneficial. Doing everything you can to meticulously record the condition of your rental home when you move in will ensure that you get your security deposit back.
Do you desire a new residence? Real Property Management Success has the one for you! You can browse our listings online or call us at 774-840-5140.
Originally Published on July 17, 2020
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