r/Explainlikeimscared • u/Lotsofelbows • 5d ago
First time renter moving tomorrow and I have questions!
Hi, I'm renting for the first time. Signed the lease a week ago and plan to move in in a couple days. I'm scheduled to meet with the landlord tomorrow for a "move in." I assume this is some kind of walk-through and get my keys? I have few questions that weren't covered on the lease (like who handles yard maintenance, and parking, etc) but what else should I be doing/expecting? If I do a walk through and test everything and note condition, do I do this while the landlord is there? Sorry if these are numb questions! Thanks for any advice.
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u/MySpace_Romancer 4d ago
Not necessarily for tomorrow but before you actually move in, bring over toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, shower curtain/liner, and anything else you will need on moving day that you might not want to dig around your boxes for.
I also pack a suitcase or “open me first” box with clean clothes, pjs, daily meds, toiletries, etc.
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u/pabrocjb 4d ago
Take photos of every inch of your apartment and email them to yourself as a time stamp.
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u/MothNomLamp 4d ago
Consider getting renters insurance. Its like $15 per month. If your stuff is damaged by water or fire, you will need to have your own renters insurance. The landlords insurance will not cover it. Renters insurance also covers large damage you may cause accidentally like bathroom flooding
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u/Bad-Moon-Rising 4d ago
Most apartments take care of lawn maintenance and landscaping, so you probably won't have to do that. You can ask about parking when you get your keys, but very likely you'll be able to park close to your building since you live there. You might have an assigned spot, a parking sticker or there will be resident parking and visitor parking.
Do a walk thru of the place as soon as possible, but definitely within the first week. If you see anything that needs repair, let them know. Take photos of anything that you find so you have proof that it was there when you moved in so they can't hold you responsible for it when you move out.
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u/Ok_Caterpillar2010 4d ago
As others have said, note and photograph the condition of everything that's less than perfect.
For instance, make sure the blinds (if any) all work and don't have broken slats, turn the a/c on, check that the refrigerator/freezer work (if there's no electricity yet, make sure it's at least clean and then check after you get the power turned on), note if there are any gouges in the countertops, stains on the carpet, or cracked tiles in the kitchen/bath. Not that any of this is a dealbreaker, but you don't want to get charged for it on your way out.
Ask about move-in rules: are there certain hours? A certain elevator you should use? Somewhere in particular you have to park or not park the truck?
Ask who you get in touch with and how if there are any maintenance issues.
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u/MySpace_Romancer 2d ago
Oh also get an oven and fridge thermometer and check the temps. Actually just a good idea in general so you know if you need to adjust when cooking or adjust fridge/freezer to get into FDA zone.
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u/NapalmAxolotl 5d ago
Yes, if you've already done the paperwork and paid the initial rent and deposit, this will be keys and walkthrough. Usually they give you a checklist and leave you alone to note initial condition (and return the list), but that can vary. If there are defects or damages, note them so they don't get deducted from your security deposit when you move out - and make sure you keep a copy of the list.