Moving In
In This Section:
- Keeping Good Rental Records
- Update Your Student Contact Information
- Getting Repairs Made
- Resolving Conflicts with your Roommate
- Installing Utilities
- Renter's Insurance
Lack of knowledge regarding leases or other rental agreements can cause a variety of problems. By keeping records of rental repair requests, security deposit disputes, and other important issues relatied to rental agreements, you can alleviate many of these types of problems. The most frustrating problems occur when the tenant cannot document their greivances. To prevent this, start a rental file as soon as you sign the lease, and add to it throughout your lease term. A rental file is easy to keep, considering the money you may recover through rental modification or qualifying for a full return on your security deposit. If a rental problem arises, it is easier to negotiate a solution with the landlord when you have written records that show the extent of the problem, what you asked the landlord to do about it, and how the landlord responded.
YOUR RENTAL FILE SHOULD CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:A Rental Log
Use a simple notebook to write all dates and times
you contacted or tried to contact your landlord; make a note of any discusion.
Logs are a useful permanent record of how the landlord did or did nor
respond to problems.
Apartment Condition Checklist
A copy of this form is available on this website.
This is proof of the condition of the apartment when you move in and out.
Keep a copy and send the original to the landlord by certified mail and
return receipt.
Correspondence With Your Landlord
Make any complaints or concerns in writing and
keep copies on file. All verbal requests should be followed up in writing
with copies in your file. Sample letters to landlords can be found in
the Library on this
website.
Reports
Keep copies of the appropriate certificates, building
inspection reports, police reports and any other reports from other agencies.
Photographs
Photos may be the evidence you need to document a
repair or security deposit problem. Photos should be dated and signed by
a witness.