Moving in can be as exciting as it can be tiresome. Shifting
the house does not only mean entering into new premise but
it means new bonding, new surroundings, and new adjustments
as well. All may seem like a daunting task but a nice experience
on the whole. There are a few things you need to know before
you can go ahead and sign that rent agreement.
Things to Care About When Entering the Premise
You need to follow some measures when enter into the premise
to ensure that you have a good landlord - tenant relationship
and to prevent problems when you move out.
Carry out a thorough inspection of the room as soon as
you get possession of the premise. Prepare your own checklist
even if you have been provided with the one from the landlord.
Having another person to witness the checklist is also worthwhile.
The purpose of inspection is to identify flaws with the
premise before you enter into the agreement, so that any
major problems can be fixed before you relocate, and so
that your landlord cannot try to make you pay for pre-existing
defects when you finally move out.
After completing the checklist, enclose one copy of it
with other documents to be sent to the landlord. It is recommended
to hand deliver the documents rather than sending them by
post in case the landlord does not reside in the vicinity.
Ensure to keep back the photocopy of all the documents.
You must ask the landlord to provide confirmation in writing
that the problems were already there when you moved in.
If the landlord does not agree at this, you pen down the
observations, and have it signed and dated by your landlord
followed by attaching it to your rental agreement.
It can be possible that your landlord will not only refuse
to give you confirmation slip but does not get ready to
accept the checklist prepared by you. This may inspire you
to smell something fishy regarding the landlord’s
motives. You may begin to ponder why the landlord is not
acknowledging them when he/she does not hold any intention
to charge you for the pre existing defect. Never get ready
to sign the lease during such a situation.
Renters holding the rented premises are responsible for
damages caused during the period of their stay. However,
you can not be held accountable for damages caused by anyone
visiting the property on behalf of the landlord. For such
damages, you should document the problem with a letter to
the landlord, enclosing copies of photos if possible.
A little care up front can help to make healthy relations
and avoid conflicts over your security deposit at the time
you leave the house. You can also consider about taking
referrals from other tenants about their experiences with
the landlord. Likewise, if the premises you are moving into
is still rented, you can clear your doubts with the outgoing
tenant. Needless to say, it is best to take such matters
in private rather than before landlord or landlord’s
employee. It will help you with insight into how the landlord
maintains the premises, whether the landlord listens to
the problems or not and are there any issues you will need
to dealt with seriously?
Now, when everything is settled, prioritize your unpacking
process as per your convenience. Remember, you didn’t
pack all your possessions in a day, so don’t hurry
to unpack in one also. Take time to enjoy getting to know
your new home and the surroundings.