For most renters, the first thing on your mind when moving into a new apartment is unpacking and settling in. But there’s an incredibly important step that should take place before you start – the move-in inspection.
What is a Move-In Inspection?
A move-in inspection is a form new tenant(s) need to fill out, indicating any pre-existing damages to the property. It is often accompanied by visual evidence (namely photos). This usually includes very detailed descriptions of each room and area within the new property such as the individual bedrooms, the living room, the kitchen, and more. Depending on the property type, the inspection might also cover the exterior of the property with regards to any roofing, windows, or balconies.
The move-in inspection form might also include the tenant’s forwarding address in the case that there is a need to follow up on any damages after the lease period.
Once the move in checklist has been completed by the tenant, they will sign and submit the form to the landlord, who confirms the listed damages to the property. The form should be filed and kept safe for recordkeeping purposes after the landlord has also signed the document.
Why is a Move-In inspection Important?
The true benefit of a move-in inspection comes in ensuring the proper parties are held financially responsible for any damages to the property. More specifically, the move-in inspection form ensures that new tenants are not charged for property damage created by past tenants. For both landlord and tenant, carefully and accurately filling in a move-in inspection form allows both parties to avoid disputes, particularly in the case that the tenant’s security deposit is contested.
The Benefit of Move-In Inspections for Landlords
Since a move-in inspection documents the existing property conditions, it can assist the landlord in holding their tenants accountable for any new damages during their lease. Since the tenant is in charge of detailing any property damage, the landlord is thus able to share the responsibility of checking the property and, in the case of additional damages from the tenants, able to justify why they might not return the security deposit.
Being able to withhold a tenant’s security deposit in the case that they damage the property is quite vital to any landlord. You must account for the cost of repairing the damages before being able to lease out the property to the next potential tenant. In the case that a landlord does not perform a move-in inspection, the validity of the landlord withholding a security deposit could be disputed and place a landlord at risk of having to cover damage repairs caused by their tenant. Without these deposits and inspections, every landlord would find their property, business, and bottom line at risk.
The Benefit of Move-In Inspections for Tenants
The move-in inspection provides just as much benefit, if not more, to the tenant. It ensures you aren’t charged unjust damage fees and don’t have your security deposit withheld for reasons beyond your control. In the event that a legal dispute ensues, have a copy of the inspection in your possession. This provides a clearer picture of the situation and makes it that much easier to prove your case.
It is extremely important that you fill out the inspection form as accurately and with as much detail as possible. Complete part of the document and even if you aren’t quite sure whether something qualifies as damage, include it anyways. A majority of tenants might not know serious damage when they see it. If something looks off, make sure to let your landlord know so they can take a look and verify.
Final Thoughts
A move-in inspection provides agreement about the condition of the rental unit between the landlord and tenant. It serves as evidence to any future dispute over property damage and security deposits. Starting the landlord-tenant relationship off from a place of clarity and agreement sets the stage for positive communication moving forward. This way, both are clear of who will be responsible for any potential damage that arises. All lease agreements should include a move-in inspection form to avoid future discrepancies and ensure fairness for both parties involved.
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