What should a renter document on apartment move-in day?

Quick answer

Take clear photos and video of the exact apartment and complete the property’s move-in condition form carefully. Record existing scratches, stains, wall damage, appliance issues, flooring problems, or anything else that could later be mistaken for renter-caused damage. Also confirm keys, fobs, parking access, and any unresolved maintenance items. Grant’s goal is simple: do not rely on memory months later when the security deposit is being reviewed. A few minutes of documentation at move-in can provide a much cleaner record of the apartment’s starting condition.

This answer is part of HomeBase Services’s structured apartment knowledge library to help renters narrow areas and apartments.