Apartment Move-In Checklist: Do This Before You Unpack a Single Box

Document damage, test everything, change the locks. What to do in the first 30 minutes at your new apartment.

Landlords keep security deposits when tenants leave. The average security deposit in 2024 was $1,800, and disputes over deposit returns are the most common landlord-tenant conflict in every state. The most effective protection you have is documentation done in the first 30 minutes of moving in, before you unpack a single box. This checklist covers what to document, what to test, and what to do before the first night in your new apartment.

• Document everything before you unpack: the walk-through protocol
• Test every system in the first hour
• Security: what to do before the first night
• Utilities: what to set up and when
• The 72-hour rule: what to report immediately

The apartment move-in walk-through: do this first

The single most valuable thing you can do on move-in day is a documented walk-through of every room, every surface, and every system before your furniture arrives. This is the evidence that protects your deposit. Landlords cannot charge you for pre-existing damage they cannot prove happened during your tenancy. A 20-minute walk-through video is that proof.

1. 1Open the video camera on your phone before you enter the apartment.
2. 2Walk every room and narrate what you see: "Living room, north wall, scuff mark at knee height." Just describe.
3. 3Open every cabinet, closet, and drawer. Film the interior.
4. 4Film every window, looking at the frame and the glass.
5. 5Film the floors: every room, including corners.
6. 6Film the bathroom: tub, shower, toilet, under the sink.
7. 7Film the kitchen: inside the oven, the refrigerator, under the sink.
8. 8Film any outdoor spaces: balcony, patio, parking spot.
9. 9Timestamp the video by stating the date and time on camera at the start.
10. 10Email the video to yourself immediately so it has a timestamp on a server you do not control.

Test every system in the first hour

Anything that does not work on day one needs to be reported on day one. Waiting 3 days to report a broken dishwasher makes it your problem in most states.

Security: what to do before the first night

You do not know who has a key to your apartment. The landlord may have given keys to contractors, previous tenants, or building staff. Here is what to handle immediately.

1. 1Request a lock change or re-key from your landlord in writing. In most states, landlords are required to provide a key that only fits the current tenant's lock.
2. 2If the landlord will not re-key immediately, install a door reinforcement plate ($20-40) as a short-term measure.
3. 3Change the code on any smart lock or keypad entry.
4. 4Check that all windows have functional locks. Ground floor windows should also have window pins or security bars.
5. 5Locate the circuit breaker panel and note which switch controls which circuit.
6. 6Locate the main water shutoff valve, for use if a pipe bursts.
7. 7Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if the existing ones are questionable.

Utilities: what to set up before move-in

Here is the utility setup sequence that avoids the classic mistake of moving in and having no electricity or no internet for the first week.

• Electricity: transfer service to your name 3-5 business days before move-in. Do not assume the previous tenant's service will carry over.
• Gas: same timing as electricity. Call the local gas company and schedule a connection appointment if needed.
• Internet: schedule installation at least 2 weeks in advance. Installer appointment slots fill up. Confirm the earliest available date before you choose your move date.
• Renter's insurance: purchase before move day. Your belongings are not covered by the landlord's policy. A basic renter's policy costs $15-25/month.
• Water and trash: in most apartments, these are included in rent or billed by the building. Confirm with your landlord before move-in.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to report damage to a new apartment?

Most states require you to report pre-existing damage within 24-72 hours of move-in to protect your deposit. Check your state's specific landlord-tenant law, but the safe rule is: anything you want documented should be reported in writing to your landlord within 24 hours of receiving the keys. Do this by email so you have a timestamped record.

Can my landlord keep my deposit for pre-existing damage?

Only if they can prove the damage occurred during your tenancy. If you have a documented video walk-through showing the damage existed before you moved in, your landlord cannot deduct for it. Without documentation, it becomes your word against theirs, and most small claims courts lean toward the landlord when there is no evidence.

Do I need renter's insurance?

Many landlords require it. Even when they do not, it protects your belongings from theft, fire, and water damage at a cost of $15-25/month. The landlord's insurance covers the building structure, not your furniture or electronics. A basic policy with $20,000 in personal property coverage and $100,000 in liability is the minimum worth having.

What should I do if the landlord does not fix reported problems?

Document every communication about repair requests in writing (email or text). If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time (7-14 days for non-emergency repairs, 24 hours for safety issues), research your state's repair and deduct laws. Consult a tenant rights organization in your city for local specifics.