The week before you move into a new rental is one of the most important and most overlooked opportunities in the entire renting process. What you do, or do not do, in those few days before you unpack can determine whether you get your full security deposit back at the end of the lease.
Here are five things I tell every client to do before they bring a single box through the door.
1. Do Your Walkthrough Before You Move Anything In
A move-in walkthrough should happen before your furniture arrives. Every room, every wall, every appliance, every fixture. The goal is to document the existing condition of the unit so that when you move out, there is a clear record of what was already there versus what happened during your tenancy.
Photograph everything. Every scuff on the wall, every scratch on the floor, every chip in the tile. Date stamp the photos. If you worked with me, you have a walkthrough form. Use it. Fill out every section and make sure it is signed by the landlord or their agent before keys are exchanged.
The cost of skipping this step is potentially your entire deposit.
2. Test Everything
Turn on every light switch. Run every faucet. Test the stove, the oven, the dishwasher, the garbage disposal. Turn the A/C to its lowest setting and let it run for a few minutes. Flush every toilet. Open every window and make sure it opens and closes properly.
Anything that does not work correctly needs to be documented and reported to the landlord in writing before you move in. If you discover it later, it becomes your problem to prove it was pre-existing.
3. Change The Locks Or Request New Keys
You do not know who has a copy of the key to your new unit. Previous tenants, their friends, their family. Ask your landlord to change the locks between tenancies, and put that request in writing to your landlord before you move in. Some landlords will do it proactively and some need to be asked.
If your lease permits it, a keypad lock is worth the investment for both security and convenience.
4. Set Up Utilities Before Move-in Day
Nothing slows down a move-in like arriving to a unit with no electricity or no running water. Set up your utilities at least three business days before your move-in date. In South Florida that means Florida Power and Light for electricity, your local water service, and internet service which can take a week or more to schedule.
Confirm everything is active the day before you move so there are no surprises.
5. Take Photos Of The Meter Readings
Photograph your electric and water meter on move-in day. This protects you from being billed for usage that happened before you took possession of the unit. It is a simple step that takes 30 seconds and eliminates a potential dispute later.
The move-in process done right sets the tone for your entire tenancy. It signals to your landlord that you are an organized, responsible tenant and it protects you legally from day one.
If you want our full Move-In and Move-Out Playbook, you can download it for free here. It covers the complete walkthrough process, what to document, and how to protect your deposit from move-in to move-out.
Judy Torralba
Elevate Florida
786.947.7909
judy@elevateflorida.homes