Moving In

Moving in to your new place can be an exciting and stressful time. Review the tips below to make the process easier.

Before Moving in Your Belongings

  • Schedule a walk-through of the unit with the landlord. Point out any issues or damages you see. If the landlord is unavailable, do this on your own and take pictures/video instead.
  • Immediately notify the landlord about any of the following issues:
    • Overall unit filthiness
    • Doors or windows that won’t open/close and/or lock
    • Missing window screens
    • Broken window covers (blinds, curtains, etc.)
    • Non-operational appliances (oven, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, heating/air conditioning, exhaust fans, washer/dryer, hot water heater)
    • Non-working lights or electrical outlets
    • Missing or non-operational smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors
    • Signs of pests (insects, rodents, etc.)
  • Document all known damages and deficiencies
    • Thoroughly complete a unit condition form (if not provided by the landlord, many examples are available online), noting any and all damages or deficiencies
      • Example: Living Room South Wall: approx. 10 nail holes
    • This documentation can help to prevent you from being charged for these damages upon move out. Within two days of taking possession of the unit, take pictures of any damages or deficiencies and email these to yourself to document the date and time. Submit your unit condition form to the landlord within two days of taking possession of the unit to document the damages or deficiencies. Ask for a signed copy of this form upon submission.

Purchase Renter’s Insurance

  • Renter’s insurance financially protects you in the case of damage (floods, fires, accidents) or theft to your belongings. It also protects you from damages you might cause.
  • Check with parents/guardians to see if you would be covered by their homeowner’s insurance policy, if applicable.

Move In

  • Let everyone know that you’ve moved
    • Verify your new address in Ranger Portal
    • Update your voter registration information
    • Forward your USPS mail to your new address
    • Update your address with credit card companies, cell phone providers, etc.