Before signing the lease, you’ll want to walk through the entire home and inspect every detail. Take note of all damage, no matter how minor. This includes scratches, dents, cracks, chips, and holes. You don’t want to be penalized for damage you didn’t create, so this is your chance to thoroughly inspect each room. Your landlord should bring along a checklist, but if not, write down everything you see and take pictures. This way, if the landlord tries to keep your security deposit when you move out, you’ll have proof the damage was there when you moved in. Even if you inspected these spaces during your initial tour, take a closer look at the following:
In the Kitchen
- Test all the appliances to make sure they are working and that they’re clean. This includes the range, refrigerator, dishwasher, and disposal.
- Check the faucet to make sure it isn’t dripping
- Look for any signs of mold or water damage beneath the sink
- Look for chips or scratches on the cabinets and drawers, and make sure they open correctly
- Make sure the hood light and exhaust fan work
In the Bathroom
- Look for cracked tiles and missing grout
- Check the faucet for drips and look under the sink for signs of mold
- Make sure there’s a window that opens or an exhaust fan
- Look around the pipes, the tub, and behind the toilet for signs of drips or leaks
- Make sure the lights turn on
- Check the outlets and make sure they’re GFCI-protected
Throughout the Rental
- Check the carpet for stains or worn spots
- Look at the ceiling and floor for signs of water damage
- Make sure the wood floors are free of dents or scratches
- Look at the doors, windowsills, and baseboards for marks, scratches, or gouges
- Test outlets to make sure they work (use your phone charger if you have it)
- Check the walls for chipped paint, cracks, and holes
- Look in the closets and make sure the rods and shelves aren’t bent or bowed
- Examine the windows for cracks and the screens for rips, check that the windows open
- Make sure the air conditioner/heater work properly
- If it’s a single-family house or townhome, examine the exterior for any chips or cracks, the fence for any signs of damage, and anything broken or worn (stairs, rails, etc.)
- Test the locks on the doors and windows to see if they work properly
By the end of the walk-through, you may have a list of several things or just a few. Either way, you and your landlord should both sign and date the walk-through checklist. If there’s something serious you want taken care of before you move in, such as mold, negotiate this with the landlord and get it in writing.
If the landlord doesn’t accompany you on the walk-through, send them copies of your checklist and pictures. Keep your copies in a safe place. You may live in the rental for one year or several, but at some point, you’ll move out. To get your security deposit back, you’ll likely have to return the rental in the same condition as you found it. Not only are the images proof that you didn’t cause any of the existing damage, the images and checklist will be a great reminder of how the place looked when you moved in.