It might be exciting to move into a new Plano rental house. How do you safeguard your security deposit now that it is time to do so? A pre-move-in inspection of the property. You should still complete a tour whether or not your landlord gives one. It’s critical to follow these suggestions so you can get the most out of your move-in tour.
Get Personal
No substitute exists for an in-person walkthrough. A nice Plano property manager may inform you that they have thoroughly checked the property for you, but you must still check for yourself. 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. You risk having to pay to fix something that was damaged before you moved in if you don’t thoroughly inspect every component of your rental property.
Use a Checklist
You should thoroughly examine every area of your rental home during your move-in walkthrough to make the most of it. 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. You can download a ton of lists and guidelines online if yours doesn’t. 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
A checklist can help you conduct a comprehensive move-in examination. It’s crucial to take note of any potential risks to one’s health or safety hazards that might not be apparent at first. Check the appliances and smoke alarms in your new rental home, for instance, to be sure they are working properly. Make sure to get any documentation about the existence of asbestos or lead paint if your landlord does not already provide 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
To maximize your move-in inspection, you must do more than merely cross-off items. 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. 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. Using a camera to snap images of the property as you explore it is another excellent tactic. 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. Non-functioning light switches or outlets, leaking faucets, and broken toilet seats or blinds, may not seem like a big issue, but you must notify your property manager immediately if these things are broken or malfunctioning before you move in. Give them something in writing if you can to make sure you have documentation of the reported problems. This will not only shield you from false allegations but also save your security deposit when you move out.
It takes some extra work, but it’s worthwhile to make the most of your move-in walkthrough. 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.
Looking for a new residence? Real Property Management One Source has the one for you! You can browse our listings online or call us at 214-721-0727.
Originally Published on July 17, 2020
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