Secure Your Apartment Move-In and Protect Your Deposit

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Photograph all walls, floors, ceilings, and appliances to document pre-existing damage.
• Test every outlet with a charger and note any loose or dead outlets to prevent hazards.
• Run all faucets and showers, checking for leaks and slow drains to catch plumbing issues.
• Flush toilets and inspect bases for leaks or rocking to spot seal or subfloor problems.
• Check window locks and screens for gaps or damage to prevent break-ins and pests.
• Open and close all doors, including closets, to find sticking or missing hardware.
• Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for working batteries and valid dates.
• Test all appliances for full operation and listen for odd noises to reveal defects.
• Locate and label the main water shutoff and breaker panel for emergencies.
• Review the move-in inspection form with your landlord, noting all blemishes.
• Check for pest signs in cabinets and along baseboards before settling in.
• Confirm mailbox keys, entry fobs, and parking permits work to avoid access problems.