How to document an apartment on move-in day

Teach: How to document an apartment on move-in day

What to say

Document an apartment on move-in day with a slow video tour narrated room by room, then still photos of anything worn, chipped, stained or broken, all taken before a single box comes through the door. Put the findings on the landlord's condition form or your own list, sign and date it, send a copy to the landlord, and file it with the lease until the deposit is back.

What to show, in order

1. Ask the landlord for the move-in condition form before the day.
2. Start recording at the front door before any furniture arrives, and say each room's name aloud as you enter it.
3. Film slowly around each room at eye level, then along the floor and across the ceiling.
4. Photograph every existing flaw up close with something for scale, such as a coin or a tape measure.
5. Open the oven, fridge and dishwasher and film the insides.
6. Note each flaw on the form with the room and wall, then sign and date it.
7. Email the form and a link to the video to the landlord, and keep their reply.
8. Save the lease, form, video and photos together in one folder.

The check question

Ask: When is the best time to record the apartment's condition? Answer: Before any furniture or boxes come in

From EveryManKnows. General information, not professional advice.