When you move into a new rental property, there are several important things you should be aware of to ensure a smooth and positive renting experience. Here are some of the things we recommend you pay special attention to:
Before you move in:
Lease Agreement and House Rules:
Before moving into your new home, it can be a good idea to review your lease agreement and ensure you have a clear understanding of the terms you've agreed upon with your landlord. If there's a house rule included, it's also a good practice to read through it for a smooth start as a tenant.
We also recommend that you thoroughly understand who is responsible for ongoing maintenance and repairs in the apartment and what steps to take if problems arise. This way, you ensure your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Payment of Deposit and Prepaid Rent:
It's typically part of the lease arrangement that you need to transfer a deposit and possibly prepaid rent for the accommodation before moving in. In this context, you often also have to pay the first month's rent. Together, these amounts are referred to as the move-in price.
Make sure to obtain written documentation for the amount you've transferred to your landlord.
When you move in:
Key Exchange:
When you receive the keys or other access cards for your rental, we recommend checking if they work as intended. It's a good practice to have more than one key or access card issued.
Move-in Inspection and Documentation of Defects and Issues:
Regardless of whether your landlord conducts a formal move-in inspection, we strongly recommend that you perform a thorough inspection of the property and document all defects, deficiencies, damages, and similar issues to your landlord within 14 days of taking possession of the property.
Document everything with photos and descriptions, and make sure to store it securely, such as on a USB drive or a digital storage device. This can protect you when moving out in case of any disputes over damages.
If your landlord uses BoligPortal's digital tools for the move-in inspection, it's especially convenient for you as a tenant to digitally report defects and issues during the first 14 days.
There are no standard rules regarding the condition of the property when you take possession of it. However, it should be specified in the lease agreement what condition the property is expected to be in upon moving out. It all depends on the initial state of the property when you moved in. The landlord cannot demand that the property be in a better condition than it was at the time of your move-in. For example, if the property was not freshly painted when you moved in, your landlord cannot require repainting when you move out.
Being well-prepared and informed when you move in can help avoid potential issues and ensure that your renting experience is as comfortable as possible.