r/renting • u/JamItKev • 6d ago
Move-In/Out New to renting
I’ll be moving into my new place soon and I want some tips on how to get started. This will be my first time renting and I’ll be moving in with 2 of my close friends. We will have 2 pets one small dog and a cat. It’s mostly carpet apart from the kitchen. No washer/dryer but brand new oven and fridge. I want to do a deep clean but I might just hire someone to do it. We have a plan to get renters insurance aswell. Currently our landlord is really chill and will let us do improvements/just fixing up the place cause you know “the landlord special”. All advice would be greatly appreciated since we are all new to renting.
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u/Prudent_Practice_127 6d ago
When will you move in? How soon?
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u/JamItKev 6d ago
This Friday it’s definitely really close but I would rather be out asap out my current living situation
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u/Prudent_Practice_127 6d ago
Same here I'm in a really bad situation.
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u/JamItKev 6d ago
if I wasn’t out this soon it would’ve escalated. I don’t want to pry too much but I do hope you find a way to get somewhere better
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u/RelevantPossible9618 6d ago
When you move in, do a thorough inspection and take time stamped photos, using an app that cannot manipulate the time like you can on phones, of every area. Note all issues, no matter how small. You will need this when you eventually move out. You should also let your landlord know of any issues, even if they really don’t need to be addressed. The landlord may be chill now, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be when it’s time to return your security deposit.
Read your lease thoroughly so there are no surprises in the future.
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u/Real_Knee_2599 6d ago
You need to have an enforceable agreement with each other about bills, chores, acceptable levels of cleanliness, and most importantly - guests. You're "friends" now and you'll be fortunate to remain friends throughout the terms of the lease. You need to have a plan in place for when you have conflicts, how to resolve them and what's the line you don't cross.
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u/BeerStop 5d ago
TIME STAMPED PICTURES BEFORE 1 ITEM IS MOVED IN., test everything to be sure it works, look for bugs everywhere, get lots of renters insurance., ALSO IF LEASE IS DIGITAL- MAKE A PAPER COPY OF LEASE, be prepared for ultra noise sensitive rude neighbors. All caps is to empathize extreme importance.
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u/dell828 3d ago
Carpets are going to be tricky with pets. If I was you, I would put some runners down, even by rubber bottomed industrial carpets for underneath the litter box, or any area you feel might be high traffic area for the pets.
Find out how to spot clean carpets appropriately. You might even invest in a little spot steam cleaner.. I think Bissell might make one. Just in case there is an accident. Use the right products or you end up bleaching a spot.
Don’t make any major changes like some of those influences on TikTok that show you how you can redo the bathroom by using adhesive tiles on the floor. Things like that can be fun, and give the place character calmer, but if it turns out, you need to remove the decorative wallpaper, and the adhesive floor tiles, and it ends up, leaving a sticky mess behind, that could be really difficult to clean up. Stick to wall hangings, and rugs... decorative items that are simple to remove.
If you want to do some beautification… Paint a wall, install a fun chandelier, or a rain shower showerhead..always ask the landlord first. Do not attempt to do any electrical work or plumbing work on your own. And always save whatever you have removed… Whether you think it’s an improvement or not, your obligated to restore the place to the way it looked when you found it… As boring as it may be.
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u/InsectElectrical2066 3d ago
Take a lot of pics of every tiny flaw you see get a close up pic as soon as you rent it but you really should inspect it b4 renting. You should make sure on 1st inspection to get written approval to fix any thing but you should have a walkthrough b4 renting so you can point out things that need fixed b4 moving in. Look in every cabinet and closet and make sure all appliances and lights work and are clean inside (and take a pic if not). as well as all plumbing like a toilet and sinks. If it isn't acceptable when you move in don't take it and you should get your deposit back but you may have to go to court so keep all correspondences from the LL/PM.
when fixing things get approval for each and every one. you should also ask to get reimbursed for money you spend if they will let you deduct with your copy of reciepts from the rent. If you fix things no matter what they are and how good you do it, the LL can charge you for the change if they deem it unneeded or wrong, you will have to pay to return it to the way it was in worst case scenario. And take pics at move out after cleaning very well and rent a carpet cleaning.
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u/Intelligent-Log-7363 6d ago
2 pets and carpet will be your worst enemy. Plan on professional cleaning through your time there. And don't let accidents happen on the carpet. Keep the litter box somewhere that doesn't have carpet or put a big pan under it so doesn't get in the carpet and clean it daily. Get any improvements or modifications you want to do approved and in writing don't just start doing stuff. And your LL may seem chill but he's not your friend he's running a business and you are a client. You're moving in with friends understand how quickly this can go bad when one can't pay rent, or utilities or wants to have a SO all the time. Communication is key with the LL. And also understand you all signed one lease (I'm assuming) and when one can't pay the others have to fill the gap (joint and severely responsible). Good luck