Before Moving In

Before you move in, insist on a walk through with the landlord making sure that you and the landlord list any and all things that need repair and/or will be noted for future reference.

Just looking around the room is not good enough. Try out everything.

Any spots on the carpeting
Any chips in the tiles
Any marks or gouges on the wall
Any chips or watermarks on ceiling or walls
Any marks or chips on counter tops
Any scratches on appliances
Any cloudiness on windows
Any chips or scratches on porcelain

Make Sure Things Work

Security System
Smoke Detectors
Door Locks
All Appliances
Lights
Fans
Water (run water in all rooms) pay close attention to the hot water and the water pressure
Flush toilets
Air Conditioning / Heating

Make notes for repair or for confirmation for when you move out that you didn’t cause it. The landlord should sign the list noting a date when all repairs will be completed.