Tips for filling out your apartment inventory checklist when you move into a new place

When you first take possession of a new apartment, your landlord will likely give you an apartment inventory checklist to fill out. It'll look something like this or like this.

You'll want to fill out the inventory checklist -- noting the condition of each item listed -- as thoroughly as possible. Taking the time now, when you first move in, to note all pre-existing damages in your apartment will save you money later, when your landlord adds up your security deposit deductions for damages as you move out.

For more tips, read "How to Fill Out Your Apartment Inventory Checklist," published today alongside all my previously published landlord-tenant articles at Associated Content.

Congrats on your new apartment!



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"Normal wear and tear" -- just what the heck IS it?

These last couple of blog posts about security deposits and deductions or forfeitures for "excessive cleaning" might have tenants just like you looking at their leases and trying to figure out just what exactly is "excessive dirtiness" and how it differs from "normal wear and tear."

Seek and ye shall find, by reading "What Is Normal Wear and Tear in an Apartment?"

The article cites a few standard definitions of normal wear and tear, and gives examples of normal wear and tear as opposed to actual damages such as excessive cleaning required upon move-out.

I think you'll find the article helpful. Another thing you can do is talk to your apartment manager a few weeks before moving out and invite him or her to do a walk-though of your apartment. The apartment manager should be able to pinpoint apartment areas that past tenants have commonly forgotten to clean, as well as areas of your apartment that need some extra TLC before you hand in the keys. He or she may also be able to alleviate some of your worries. For example: Yes, a closet bifold door that has come off track is usually considered normal wear and tear. So is a loose cabinet handle, or sun-faded blinds.

For more examples, click on the article linked above.



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