Important Legal Notice
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information about home buying in the United States and should not be construed as legal, financial, tax, or real estate advice. Real estate laws, mortgage regulations, tax codes, and lending requirements vary by state, county, and municipality and are subject to change.
Professional Consultation Required: Before making any financial decisions related to purchasing real property, you must consult with licensed professionals, including but not limited to:
- A licensed real estate attorney admitted to practice in your state
- A licensed real estate agent or broker
- A qualified mortgage lender or loan officer
- A certified public accountant (CPA) or tax advisor
- A licensed home inspector
Verify Current Laws: Federal, state, and local real estate laws change frequently. Always verify current regulations on official government websites, including HUD.gov, ConsumerFinance.gov, and your state's official real estate commission website before proceeding with any transaction.
No Attorney-Client Relationship: Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship, professional advisory relationship, or fiduciary duty of any kind.
Information Currency: Laws, regulations, tax rates, lending criteria, and government programs are subject to frequent changes. Information presented may become outdated. Always verify current information through official sources and licensed professionals.
No Liability: While reasonable efforts have been made to provide accurate information, no warranty is given regarding completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk.
Documenting your move-in is key to keeping your security deposit. Disputes often happen because damage wasn't recorded when you moved in. If you don't note existing damage early, you might pay for it later. This apartment move-in checklist helps you avoid disputes.
This moving checklist covers three phases: preparation, moving day, and setup. If you're still searching for the right place, review these apartment hunting tips first.
Key Steps:
- Take photos of everything before furniture arrives.
- Test all appliances and lights.
- Fill out the condition report with dates.
- Confirm utilities are on.
- Plan where furniture goes to avoid damage.
Use this guide as your complete "move in checklist apartment" resource. For essential items to purchase, see our first apartment checklist. Keep your lease, insurance, and keys in one folder. This keeps you organized.
Phase 1: Moving Into Apartment Checklist - Before Moving (2 Weeks Out)
Prepare early to avoid problems.
Task 1: Utilities (14 Days Before)
Utilities don't switch automatically. Call each company:
- Electric & Gas: Schedule turn-on for 48 hours before you move.
- Water: Contact the water department. You might need to pay a deposit.
- Internet: Book this early. Appointments fill up fast.
- Renters Insurance: Most leases require this. It costs about $15-35 a month.
Task 2: Inspection (7-10 Days Before)
Walk through the empty apartment using this move in checklist apartment step. Bring:
- Phone camera
- Notepad
- Flashlight
- Tape measure
Check Everything on Your List:
- Photos: Take pictures of every wall, floor, and ceiling.
- Lights: Test every switch and outlet.
- Water: Run all faucets and flush toilets. Check for leaks.
- Appliances: Turn on the stove, fridge, and dishwasher.
- Windows: Open and close them all.
- Damage: Note every scratch and stain.
This 45-minute check saves you money later.
Task 3: Condition Report
Fill out the move-in report carefully.
- List all damage you found.
- Note cleaning issues.
- Get the landlord to sign it.
- If they won't sign, email it to them with photos.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says this is vital for protecting your deposit.
Task 4: Plan Furniture
Measure your rooms and furniture. Plan where things go, so you don't scratch walls or block vents.
Phase 2: Moving Day
Be careful not to cause damage while moving.
Task 1: Protect Surfaces Put down cardboard or mats in hallways. Cover door frames. This prevents scratches.
Task 2: Last Check Take one more set of photos before moving boxes in. This proves the apartment was empty and undamaged.
Task 3: Check Utilities Make sure lights, water, and heat work. If not, call the utility company right away.
Task 4: Watch the Movers Supervise where furniture goes. Make sure they don't hit walls.
Task 5: Final Test After furniture is in, test appliances again. Report any new issues immediately.
Phase 3: First Week
Get settled and set up good habits.
Task 1: Report Issues (Days 1-3) Submit a written list of repairs needed. Include photos. Landlords must fix safety issues quickly.
Task 2: Locks If allowed, change the locks or add a chain for security. Provide a key to the landlord.
Task 3: Meet Neighbors Introduce yourself. It helps to know people in case of emergency or noise issues.
Task 4: Know Your Systems Find the circuit breaker and water shutoff valve. Know where the fire exit is.
Task 5: Cleaning Routine Start a cleaning schedule. Change filters and clean drains regularly.
Task 6: Read the Lease Again Review rules on noise, guests, and parking. Avoid fines by knowing the rules.
Task 7: Pay Rent Set up automatic payments. Never pay late.
Task 8: Digital Records Save copies of your lease, photos, and reports online. This protects you if papers get lost.
Protect Your Deposit
Three habits help you get your money back:
- Quarterly Photos: Take pictures every 3 months to show you kept the place clean.
- Written Records: Email the landlord about every repair. Keep a paper trail.
- Move-Out Photos: When you leave, take photos again. Compare them to your move-in photos to prove you didn't cause damage.
Summary: Your Move-In Guide
This 3-phase system takes a few hours but saves you stress and money. Using a proper moving into apartment checklist protects your deposit.
Create a Binder With:
- Checklists
- Utility numbers
- Condition report
- Landlord contact info
Resources:
- CFPB: consumerfinance.gov - Tenant rights.
- HUD.gov: portal.hud.gov - Housing help.
Real estate laws and lending rules often change and vary by location.
Start your lease right with this checklist.