It can be thrilling to move into a new Santa Fe rental house. Also, now is the moment to safeguard your security deposit; how can you do this? A checkup of the house. You should conduct a walkthrough regardless of whether your landlord provides you with a checklist. It’s crucial to do the following tips to get the most out of your move-in tour.
Get Personal
An in-person walkthrough cannot be replaced by any other method. Even if a helpful Santa Fe property manager claims to have checked the property out for you, you should still do your own inspection. You might find maintenance or other issues that were overlooked in the report, even though the majority of landlords won’t be trying to intentionally fool you. If you don’t thoroughly inspect every area of your rental home, you might have to pay to fix something that was damaged before you even moved in.
Use a Checklist
Examine every area of your rental home thoroughly to make the most of your move-in walkthrough. Use a walkthrough checklist to ensure that nothing has been overlooked. Some property managers might give you a checklist, while others might not. If yours does not, there are numerous lists and guidelines available for download online. An inventory is key because it guides your walkthrough and ensures you don’t overlook anything. Also, you can apply your checklist as a comparison tool once you move out.
Check for Potential Hazards
An exhaustive move-in examination can be ensured with the use of a checklist. Taking note of any potential health and safety hazards that might not be apparent at first sight is also crucial. Check the appliances and smoke alarms in your new rental home, for instance, to be sure they are working properly. Make sure to get any documentation about the existence of asbestos or lead paint if your landlord does not already provide it. Before settling in, find out everything you can about the rental home because these compounds have the potential to create major health problems.
Document Everything
It takes more than just crossing things off to make the most of your move-in inspection. Before moving in, you must properly document every feature of the property’s condition to safeguard your security deposit from unjustified repair expenses. Make detailed notes, either on the checklist or on a single sheet; make note of condition concerns, locations, and whatever else, no matter how little. While most landlords won’t try to make you pay to repair the entire kitchen floor because of one broken area of the linoleum, others might. Taking images of the house as you explore it is a fantastic additional option. Be sure to take a range of close-up and wide-angle photographs and store them in a secure location.
Report Maintenance Issues
Once you have concluded your walkthrough and record keeping, submit any maintenance issues immediately. Broken blinds or toilet seats, leaking faucets, and busted light switches or outlets may seem inconsequential, but you must contact your property manager immediately if any of these items are damaged or malfunctioning before moving in. Send them a letter to ensure you have proof of the reported problems. This will guard your security deposit when you vacate in addition to shielding you from unfair charges.
It takes some extra work, but it’s worthwhile to make the most of your move-in walkthrough. The only step to secure you receive your security deposit back is to diligently document the move-in condition of your rental property.
Do you desire a new residence? Real Property Management Expertise has the one for you! You can browse our listings online or call us at 505-796-8047.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
