New Renters Ought to Protect Themselves in Case of Landlord Disputes You've finally located the ideal rental home, with all the amenities you desire including a competent, kindly landlord.
Remember that circumstances and people change, and be ready to defend yourself during any rental problem by having a paper trail of documentation.
Maintain copies of your lease, checks you've written for rent and security deposits, as well as any correspondence you have with your landlord including maintenance requests and any other issues.
Keep written notes of spoken conversations with your landlord, and date all paperwork for eventual reference.
Know the Importance of Documenting a Eental Unit's Condition The first thing a new lessee should do when moving into a rental home is to scrutinize that rental thoroughly, either during a walk-through with the landlord or by using a list the landlord supplies.
If the condition of the property requires, add detailed notes or additional items to the list, and keep a copy of it when you turn it over to the landlord or property management company.
It's also wise to take photos of your new home inside and out to document its condition for future reference so you won't be charged in the future for damage that you did not cause.
Make Sure all Appliances Work Correctly In each room, check for any imperfections in the flooring, windows, walls, ceilings, doors and closets.
Any appliances that a landlord includes in the rental are required by the majority of lease laws to be in working order for the renter.
Scrutinize the microwave, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer, air conditioner, heater and any other appliance or fixtures the landlord has installed on the grounds.
The bathrooms and kitchen are the locations that receive the most traffic in the home and so are most prone to damages.
A renter should watch for any leaks or clogs in sinks, bathtubs and toilets.
Check major appliances and fixtures as well for any broken knobs, cracked tiles or other impairments.
In addition to damages spotted on the property, while conducting a move-in inspection, the renter should take note of the property's cleanliness.
Warranty of habitability laws are instated nearly nationwide for tenants' protection.
These laws behoove landlords to provide you with a safe and sanitary property, even if they don't include such a clause in your lease.
Again, check the kitchen and bathroom especially for the condition of cleanliness.
The floors in a rental clearly will tend to get dirty as well.
Before the renter moves in, the landlord should have the carpets and other flooring cleaned or replaced.
If the new tenants observe a lack of cleanliness, they may ask the landlord to clean the rental property before they move in.