Protect Yourself with an Apartment Walk-through (written for Mesa Apartments For Rent)
Once you have signed all of the paperwork and are ready you move in, an agent of the leasing company will do a pre-move in, inspection walk-through with you. This is the chance for both of you to note every flaw and deficiency existing in the apartment, so you don't get accused of the damage and have to pay for it at move-out time. When this walk-through happens, be meticulous. The company agent will point out a few things to make it seem like they're actually looking for defects but the real inspection is up to you, since it's your money you're protecting. Here are some common items people fail to check until it's too late.
Inside the unit, look closely for spots, rips, tears, scratches, or patches in the carpet. Go around to each window and make sure it will work properly. Look at the walls for freshly painted walls, holes, and abnormalities in the surface. These are signs of past damage repair, and if not noted now, may get you accused of damaging and fixing incorrectly. In the bathroom, turn on the sink, tub, and shower faucets, make sure you have hot water, that the stoppers will hold water, and that the drains work and are not slow. Flush the toilet and make sure it works and doesn't keep running. Check the toilet, sink, and bathtubs for any damage, even if it has been repaired, and make sure it is written down.
In the kitchen, open every cabinet door and look for damage, broken shelves, loose door hinges, or holes. Again, turn on the faucets and make sure the water goes down the drain. Make sure to set the refrigerator temperatures in the fridge and freezer when you walk in, and check them before you leave to make sure they are actually cooling. Look under the refrigerator and sink for water spots. Turn on each burner on the stove and make sure it is working. Do the same test for the oven. Give all of the appliances a thorough inspection (as though you were getting ready to buy a used car), and make note of every dent, scratch, problem and sticky door.
One other important point is to take photographs of each room from as many different angles as possible. They may seem like perfect people now, but they have very short memories when it comes move-out time. Once all of that has been done, check the agent's list to ensure everything is there and get a signed copy before you leave. Also, decide on which items will be left damaged, and which will be repaired before move-in.
