As you are ready to go see some rental properties you might be interested in, you should prepare for these viewings by understanding the importance of thoroughly inspecting any unit you want to rent. A thorough inspection of a rental property is important for many reasons, including the following three.
The Overall Condition Tells A Lot About the Landlord
For starters, the condition of a rental property during the time of your viewing it will reveal a lot about the landlord and the properties he or she owns. Landlords that are reputable and that care well for their properties typically will not show an apartment or rental home to a potential tenant until the unit is completely ready. This means the landlord will make all the needed repairs and updates to the home before showing it to you, and it means that he or she will make sure it is clean. If you view properties that have visible damage or clutter in them, it may be a red flag to watch out for.
You Could Be Held Liable for Damages if You Do Not Document Them
The most important reason for thoroughly inspecting a unit first is to avoid being held liable for the damage in the unit. If a unit has any damage at all, even if the damage is minor, you must record it before you move in, and you must let the landlord know. If you do not follow these steps, the landlord might assume that you caused the damage and may charge you for it when you eventually vacate the unit.
You Can Know that Everything Works
The other important reason to inspect everything in a unit prior to moving in is to make sure that you are moving into a unit where everything in it works. When you move in, you will have a lot of work to do to unpack and prepare your new apartment, and you will not want to have to worry about calling the landlord for repairs right away.
One of the best tools you can use to thoroughly inspect a rental property is a move-in checklist form which you can find online. This form will help you know what to check, and you can use it as a record for your apartment rental. If you are interested in finding a rental property, begin by checking listings or by contacting a property manager.
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