While you are not obligated by law, you should inspect your apartment for your own protection. If possible, even before you move your belongings into the rental, see if your landlord can inspect the apartment with you. Our office provides a Rental Inspection Checklist at our office and online. After the inspection, ask the landlord to sign the inspection form indicating that the form, as completed, accurately reflects the condition of the rental at that time. If you cannot get them to do this, then you should have a friend inspect your apartment with you. If possible, your friend should take photographs, and sign and date them. This will help you in case you have trouble getting your security deposit back.

If the landlord is unwilling to sign a list of promises made to you, you should send the list to the landlord in a formal letter confirming the promises and when you expect the repairs to be completed. Send the letter certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep a copy of the letter and the return receipt for your records in case further action is required later on. Such evidence may be useful in court if your landlord attempts to evict you for not paying all or part of the rent or if you are suing for the return of your security deposit.

BE AWARE: Any promises (from a landlord or tenant) not in writing and without a date and signatures are worth very little. If you try to enforce verbal agreements, it will come down to your word against the other party's word. A written agreement promising repairs by a certain date will also protect you later on if the landlord tries to blame you for damaged items.