help with rental agreement

sallyawp
Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:02:15 +0000

For all renters, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to photograph and/or videotape the apartment on move in day, before any belongings are there, in order to document the condition of the apartment. At a minimum, I would recommend opening and closing all windows (and making sure that all window locks are functional), inspecting all appliances, flushing all toilets and running all faucets, testing all electrical outlets (walking around with a small appliance like a desk lamp is an easy way to do this) and thoroughly inspecting all provided furnishings.

Any problems should be listed and sent in a letter to the landlord as soon as possible. I would recommend sending this letter certified mail, return receipt requested.

The best possible solution is to do an initial walk through with the landlord, if possible. Ask the landlord to be there when the new renters take possession in order to note any problems that are immediately apparent. Any problems that show up in the first few days (or later, as the case may be) should be noted in a letter to the landlord (again, certified mail, return receipt requested).