Your first apartment typically involves a substantial security deposit, often due to lacking rental or credit history. However, many tenants become careless once they've secured the lease.
Upon moving out, renters frequently scramble to address carpet damage and wall imperfections. Starting responsibly can protect your deposit.
Complete your Inspection Checklist
Upon moving in, landlords should provide a checklist documenting existing imperfections. Take this seriously. Document the space's condition thoroughly since you'll occupy it, and capturing photos is advisable given current circumstances.
"I...accepted the checklist and stuck it in a folder; leaving it forgotten until I was moving out." Review each room carefully. Test every outlet with a phone charger. Examine door locks. Document all pre-existing carpet stains with photographs.
Tip-Top Shape
Evaluate cleanliness from a prospective tenant's perspective. Though landlords typically clean before new tenants arrive, oversight happens after months or years of occupancy.
Priority areas include ovens and refrigerators. "Many suggest you repaint to the original color; I've never been at a place that made their color of choice known to its tenants." Patch poster and frame holes. The author once painted "Eggshell White," which wasn't the original color -- this cost them their deposit.
Request a Final Walkthrough
Request a final walkthrough before departing, accommodating your landlord's schedule. While they may decline, if permitted, this opportunity allows discussing previously reported maintenance issues -- sticky drawers or malfunctioning door locks mentioned months earlier.
"If your budget allows it, hire a cleaning company to do an end-of-tenancy cleaning to secure your bond. When I stayed in Auckland I used Cleaning Pro, professional and reasonable cleaning prices."
Use this walkthrough to explain normal wear versus damage. Address high-traffic floor areas, doorjambs, and counters -- common deduction sources renters overlook.
After the walkthrough, leave keys with the office or landlord. Provide a forwarding address.
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