Tips on Moving Into an Apartment
The American Moving and Storage Association states that 43 million Americans move each year. This frequency does not eliminate the fact that moving can be a time-consuming and energy-draining process. When moving into an apartment there are several steps you can take to minimize potential difficulties.
1. Walk Through
o Before you sign a lease, you should perform a walk through of the apartment, whether it is new or used. To ensure the property manager has properly documented all the preexisting conditions, have your own move-in checklist, which will save you from having to pay for damage you didn't cause. It is also a good idea to videotape or use a camera to record any previous damages. During the walk through, look carefully for the following:
Drywall---look for holes in the wall and doorknob marks. Record the amounts and locations.
Paint---look for chipped and uneven coloring. Ensure the baseboard (where the wall meets the floor), handrails, tubs, cabinets and counters contain no wall paint. Look for water damage indicators, such as stained paint in the ceilings.
Baseboard---look for missing baseboards and possible carpet installation damages, causing scrapes or cuts to the baseboard.
Light Fixtures---ensure that when you open doors and cabinets, they do not hit the light fixtures. Check for faulty light fixtures.
Carpet---look for burns, holes and stains in the carpet.
Windows---make sure all windows are properly sealed. Look for windowsill stains and cracks between the panels.
Doors---doors should contain no scrapes or holes; both sides should be painted. Check doorknobs and locks. Open and close doors to ensure proper alignment.
Tile---check for loose, chipped or cracked tiles, especially in floor corners.
Appliances---turn appliances on to ensure they work.
Ask a friend or family member (someone willing to testify for you in court) to accompany you to the walk through. If necessary, they can testify about the apartment's condition when you moved in.
2. Utilities
o Do not wait until the last minute to disconnect your utilities from your old residence. Call at least a few weeks in advance to arrange the disconnection. This allows you more time to concentrate on connecting the utilities at your new apartment. For cable, Internet and telephone service, visit the Cable Mover Hotline's website to search for a provider and rates.
Renter's Insurance
o Should another renter cause a fire or a water leakage, the apartment company is not responsible for belongings you lose. Therefore, it is wise to invest in renter's insurance. Insurance companies such as Geico, Allstate and State Farm all offer renter's insurance.
Apartment Issues
o Once you have moved into your apartment, if there are any problems with it, contact the landlord at once. Send her a written notice and keep a copy for yourself.
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