Off Campus Housing Guide                          Back to Table of Contents

Chapter 7
Checklist for tenants                    
Tenant Move in/Move Out              

Section Seven:  Checklists for Tenants

REVIEW YOUR LEASE CAREFULLY!
Make sure you understand the terms, your rights and your obligations. According to the Plain Language Consumer Contract Act, all residential leases after July 1994 must be written, organized and designed so that they are read and understand by consumers. A lease that is easy to understand is not necessarily a fair lease. Certain leases still contain unfair, illegal clauses or ask tenants to waive consumer rights.  Remember, the terms of a lease can often be negotiated and the best time to negotiate is before signing. Many leases contain outdated, unfair and even illegal clauses. Also remember that in case you change your mind about renting a place after you have already paid a deposit to the property owner/manager to hold the rental for you the deposit is, in most cases, non-refundable unless otherwise stated or agreed upon in writing.

INCLUDE THE LIST OF NEEDED REPAIRS IN YOUR LEASE!
Give a target completion date for each repair.  If the landlord fails to make the repairs specified in the lease he/she is in breach of the lease. Remember: Oral promises are not legally binding. The written document is.

INSPECT THE PREMISES AGAIN AFTER MOVE-IN!
Make a list documenting the condition of the apartment—pre-existing damages that do not necessarily require fixing but that need to be brought to the attention of your landlord, so you will not be held responsible for them at the end of your lease. Mail this list to your landlord by certified mail, return receipt requested, and keep a copy for your records. At the termination of your lease, do a similar inspection of the premises, preferably with the property owner or manager. In this way you will make sure your security deposit is returned to you if you have not done damage to the premises. Remember: You are responsible for leaving the apartment in the same condition you found it at the beginning of the lease, normal wear and tear excepted.

PURCHASE RENTER’S INSURANCE!
Protect your property against theft, fire and other hazards and get liability coverage. 

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PROPERTY OWNER/MANAGER IN WRITING!
Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, especially when you give notice of
termination/renewal of your lease or when you inform him/her of problems in the apartment and
request repairs.

NOTE: If you are concerned that there are housing code and fire code violations that endanger
your welfare and safety and your landlord does not promptly respond to your concerns, call the
Code Office of the City of Lock Haven. To arrange for a free inspection, call 893-5916.

For housing related questions, call the student affairs  office. The office does not offer legal advice.
If we cannot answer your questions we will try to make appropriate referral.

Tenant Move In/Move Out Checklist

Once you move into the premises inspect the unit carefully, preferably with the property
owner/manager and document the condition of the property in writing. Use this form or draw up
your own, keep a copy for yourself and send one to your landlord. If the inspection is done by
the two parties - you and your landlord - you should both sign it. Use the same form for checking
out of the apartment at the end of your lease.

Outside

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Hallways