Move-In/Move-Out Information
Moving into your first apartment can be an exciting time, but it is important to make sure that the excitement does not distract you from taking steps to protect yourself and your property. Likewise, you want to make take care when moving out of your apartment to make sure you get your security deposit back, and to avoid possible legal conflicts with your prior landlord.
Move-In
- One of the most important steps before moving in to your new place is making sure that you understand your lease and the responsibilities you have in that lease. Student Legal Services strongly suggests students reach out to our office to schedule a review of your lease before you sign it. To apply for services please click here and indicated on the form that you wish to have your lease reviewed.
- As soon as you receive your keys, you should conduct a thorough inspection of the property looking for any issues such as damage, leaks, mildew, etc. Document all issues with photos and report any issues to your landlord immediately. You should make sure to keep all text and/or emails related to any damage.
- Your landlord will most likely provide you with an inspection form. Make sure to complete that form and return it in the specified time. If you landlord does not specify a time for inspection forms to be returned, you should try to complete the form within 48 hours of receiving it. Make sure to either make a copy or take a photo of the form before you return it to your landlord. If your landlord does not use a move-in form, you can find a generic form here to use and provide to your landlord.
- Photos, photos, photos. Make sure that you have taken lots of photos (and videos) of your apartment/house as soon as you are able. Take photos under the sinks, inside of cabinets and drawers, of any damage you find (chipped paint, holes, stains, torn carpet, etc.), and take photos of any paperwork you give to your landlord to make sure that you have a copy.
Move-Out
- Just as with moving in, it is important to review your lease before you begin the move-out process. Some leases contain detailed instructions for cleaning that you agreed to when you signed the lease. It is important to know that if you choose not to comply with the cleaning instructions, you will be charged by your landlord.
- Regardless of whether the unit was clean when you moved in, it should be clean when you move out. Many landlords will provide a description of how to thoroughly clean the apartment upon move-out in the lease agreement. You should read this document closely as many landlords now require carpet cleaning as a normal part of move out.
- Move-out forms are much less common, but if your landlord has one you should make sure to use it. If you wish to have a move-out form, but your landlord doesn't use one, you can find a generic form here.
- Just like with moving in, you should take LOTS of photos before you move out. Photos and videos do a fantastic job of capturing what the unit looks like at the time you leave. These pictures can be invaluable if your landlord attempts to charge you for cleaning or repairs that you don't feel were necessary.