Renting a Home:
Moving Into Your Rented Home
Verifying the Condition of the Rental Unit
Some problems between landlords and tenants come from a lack of accurate records of the rental property's condition at the time the tenant moves in. You can minimize these problems by using a Property Inventory & Condition Report Work Sheet at the time you sign a rental contract.
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| Property Inventory & Condition Report |
Complete the report in the presence of the landlord or have it ready for the walk through of the unit. You and your landlord should sign and date a copy of the report. This means you both acknowledge that it represents an accurate statement of the property involved under the terms of the contract. Taking this step can help reduce the likelihood of disputes about the condition of items and the return of the security deposit when you end the lease.
When you are ready to end the lease, make a copy of the Property Inventory & Condition Report you completed at lease signing. Use this copy as a move-out checklist. Complete the report in the presence of the landlord. Again, both of you should sign and date it with the acknowledgement that it is a correct statement of the property. This should make the return of the security deposit free of disputes. Remember, no deposit can be kept to cover normal wear and tear. You must leave the unit clean. Leaving a place dirty is not considered normal wear and tear.
In addition to completing this work sheet, you could videotape or photograph the appliances and systems. Include the inside of the oven, refrigerator, cabinets and closets. Photograph the walls, floors and fixtures. Do the same for the basement, attic, storage or other buildings, the front and back yards and the porch.
Getting your deposit back can be more difficult with a house rental. In addition to all the interior items that must be cleaned, you will have to make sure that:
- trash is removed from the yard, basement, and attic
- other storage spaces are empty and clean
- any damage to the structure is repaired
- and that landscaping is in order
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| Property Inventory & Condition Report |
When you move out, use the Property Inventory & Condition Report Work Sheet to record the number and condition of all the things you did during move in plus any items that were added under the lease during your stay. The property condition checklist provided here can be used for move in and move out inspections.
