What To Take Pictures Of When Moving Into A New Apartment

Moving into a new apartment can both be exciting and daunting due to the amount of tasks you have to finish in order to move in. Whether this is your first time moving into a new apartment or not, inspecting your space of damages is typically one of the first things that you do upon signing your lease.

Most apartment buildings will give you an inspection sheet to fill out and mark down any damages and problems that you have found before you move your belongings in. Taking the time to thoroughly go through your new apartment will benefit you in the long-run because it will increase the likelihood of getting your deposit back in full.

Nowadays, in this digital world where we can take pictures and videos of everything, it has become increasingly more common for renters to take photos of their apartment and the kind of shape it is in so they will not have any discrepancies in getting their deposit back.

In this article, we will cover all of the items in each room you will want to inspect and take photos of when you are moving into your new apartment.

Kitchen:

Apartment kitchens are where most of the wear and tear can be visible. Since the kitchen is usually a high-traffic area, it is more likely that you will find damages amongst the most used surfaces and appliances.

When taking pictures of your kitchen, make sure you are looking for any visible and functional damage in the following areas:

Stove / Oven

Burners that may have physical damage and/or are not working properly
Any lights that should function
Knobs to turn on the burners
Oven doors should open and close properly
Oven temperature

Countertops

Check for cracks & dents
Make sure there are no stains
Look for any chips in the surface

Sink

Check for dents
Check the water flow
Make sure the faucet is not missing any parts
Test the garbage disposal function

Refrigerator/Freezer

Cracks in any of the plastic
Non-removable stains
Check the temperature to make sure they are functioning properly
Look for any missing drawers/shelves

Microwave

Test functions and make sure it operates properly
Look for non-removable stains
See if there are any missing pieces
Any other exterior visible damage

In addition to taking pictures, if you notice any damage or issues in your kitchen, it’s important to report them to your landlord as soon as possible. They may need to be repaired or replaced before you use any appliances.

Living Room Area

Living Areas:

Living areas are also another high-trafficked place where damage may be found. These areas make take more time to inspect as they often tend to be large areas in your living room and bedroom.

When taking pictures in your living areas, make sure you are looking for any visible and functional damage in the following areas:

Baseboards

Look for non-removable stains
Examine all areas for cracks
Missing sections

Walls

Look for visible cracks, dents, or holes in the walls
Check the corners of the walls for any cracks or peeling paint
Inspect the walls for any discoloration or stains, which could indicate water damage
Check the ceiling for any cracks, water stains, or other damage

Windows / Screens

Inspect the window frames for any cracks or visible damage
Check the window panes for any cracks or broken glass
Make sure the window opens and closes smoothly
Check the window seals to make sure they are in good condition and not damaged
Check the window locks to make sure they are functioning properly
Inspect the window screens for any holes or tears

Carpets / Floors

Inspect the carpet for any visible stains, holes, or tears
Check the edges of the carpet for any fraying or unraveling
Inspect hardwood or laminate floors for any scratches, dents, or other damage
Check the condition of any tile floors and make sure there are no missing or broken tiles
Look for any water damage or warping on wood or tile floors

Closets

Check the condition of the closet doors and make sure they are functioning properly
Check the shelves and hanging rods in the closet for any damage or instability
Inspect the walls and floors of the closets for any visible damage, such as cracks, holes, or water stains
Inspect the baseboards and trim in the closet for any damage or signs of wear

Light Switches

Inspect the light switch cover for any visible damage, such as cracks or chips
Check the switch itself for any visible damage, such as burn marks or loose wire
Test the switch by turning the lights on and off to make sure it is functioning properly

Door Locks

Test the locks by turning the key in the locks to make sure they are functioning properly
Inspect the lock itself for any visible damage, such as scratches or dents

In addition to taking pictures, if you notice anything broken or not functioning in your living area, it’s important to report them to your landlord as soon as possible. They may be able to get them repaired or replaced before you fully move in.

Bathroom

Bathroom:

In the bathroom of your apartment, it is not only important to make sure that it is free from damage but also that all water-flowing functions work properly.

When taking pictures of your bathroom, make sure you are looking for any visible and functional damage in the following areas:

Shower

Inspect the shower for any visible damage, such as cracks or chips in the tiles or a damaged showerhead
If applicable, check the condition of the shower doors and make sure they are functioning properly
Test the water pressure to make sure it is sufficient
Check the temperature control to make sure it is functioning properly
Check the drain to make sure it is functioning properly and that water is not standing in the shower

Countertops / Sink

Inspect the countertop for any visible damage, such as cracks, chips, or stains
Test the faucets to make sure they are functioning properly
Check the condition of the sink and make sure it is properly attached to the countertop
Check the backsplash and make sure it is properly attached to the wall and not damaged.
Check for any water damage or warping on the countertop

Toilet

Inspect the toilet for any visible damage, such as cracks or chips in the porcelain
Check the condition of the seat and make sure it is properly attached to the toilet
Test the flushing mechanism to make sure it is functioning properly
Check the water supply line to make sure it is not leaking
Check the condition of the toilet base and make sure it is stable

Tile / Floor

Check the condition of any tiles and make sure they are not loose or missing
Inspect the floor for any visible damage, such as cracks, chips, or stains
Check for any water damage or warping on the floor
Test the stability of the floor by walking on it and making sure it feels solid

If anything is broken, damaged, or not functioning properly in your bathroom, bring it up to your landlord as soon as possible. They may be able to fix any issues that you found before you move your belongings in.

Although there are many tasks that need to be done when moving into a new apartment, making sure you don’t have to pay for any damages you didn’t do should be a top priority. With this list, you should be able to thoroughly go through all areas of your apartment making sure all repairs get reported and fixed if possible.

What To Take Pictures Of When Moving Into A New Apartment