Off The Beaten Path

Moving In
Off the Beaten Path


The Inventory Checklist
When you first move in, you should thoroughly check the condition of the home or apartment. Next, you should fill out an Inventory Checklist. This should be provided by the property owner and is used to describe the current condition of the property. Following is a sample inventory checklist which you can use. It is important that the checklist is filled out thoroughly and by all the tenants. Ask for the list of damages from the previous tenants.

Be sure to pay attention to details in the checklist. For example, note the condition of: lighting fixtures, walls, carpeting, ceiling.

You will have seven days to complete the checklist and return it to the property owner. Definitely keep a copy of it with the lease for your records.

Once you move out, you must complete a termination checklist. You will be held responsible for damages incurred while you lived there. Remember, you will be held responsible for all damages not listed on the initial checklist.

Renter’s Insurance
 To protect your belongings, it is a wise decision to purchase renter’s insurance. Your personal items are not protected from theft, fire or water damage under the property owner’s insurance. Renter’s insurance is usually inexpensive and is a smart choice. It can be obtained through any insurance agent.

Living In Your Home

Property Owner and Tenant Responsibilities:
In a rental situation, there are certain legal rights and responsibilities the property owner and the tenant must fulfill.

The Property Owner has the right to:

  • Receive rent on time.
  • Expect that the property will not be damaged.
  • Receive payment for any damages the tenant has caused.
  • Expect the tenant will fulfill the lease agreement.
  • Access the property for inspection and repair at reasonable time periods and with notice to the tenant.
  • Enter the property in times of emergency.
  • Sue tenants who damage the property or do not abide by the lease.

The Property Owner must:

  • Provide a safe and habitable dwelling which is in agreement with state and local laws.
  • Carry out repairs which are not the fault of the tenant.
  • Provide the tenant with a checklist upon move-in to record the condition of the property.
  • Return the security deposit minus any damages incurred.

The Tenant has the right to:

  • “Quiet enjoyment” and to live free of harassment by neighbors and property owners.
  • Receive a written notice of eviction as provided by law.
  • Receive the unused portion of the security deposit.
  • Expect that the property will be kept in good repair.
  • Remain in the property until the expiration date of the lease agreement.

The Tenant has the responsibility to:

  • Pay rent on time and make other agreed-upon payments on time such as utilities.
  • Keep the property in good condition.
  • Not engage in activities that are illegal or that cause disruptions to others.
  • Not over-occupy or bring in more people than the unit is licensed for.
  • Not use non-habitable areas, including attics, basements, and closets, for purposes such as sleeping.

Dealing with Maintenance Problems
Both the tenant and the rental property owner have responsibilities for maintenance. Generally, the tenant is expected to keep the premises in a safe and sanitary condition and to promptly notify the property owner of maintenance problems. In some instances, these responsibilities can be changed by mutual agreement.

Here are some pointers to consider when dealing with the property owner to resolve maintenance problems:

1. Talk to your property owner. The first step in resolving any maintenance problem is to communicate the problem to the owner and kindly request to have it corrected. Remember, rash and irate conduct may only anger the property owner and make the problem much worse.

2. Write a letter. If talking to your property owner proves unsuccessful, write him/her a letter with a reminder of the prior conversation and the problem that still exists. Ask to have it repaired by a certain date (allow a reasonable amount of time), and mail the letter certified mail, return receipt requested. Remember to save the receipt and to be courteous—you want the problem fixed, not an angry property owner. Copy this letter to the City of East Lansing Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Conservation (CENC) office, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 (fax#: 337-1607).

3. The second letter. Before pursuing more serious options, consider sending one final letter. This is an optional step, but many times results in an effective way to solve the problem. The letter should contain the dates and a summary of previous communications. Also repeat a description of the problem and specify a shorter period of time for repair. Be sure to show that you know your rights as a tenant and will not hesitate to take further action. Again, mail the letter certified mail, save the receipt, and copy it to CENC.

4. More serious options. Before you take further action, it is important to understand what it entails. Options such as rent withholding and suing your property owner should be discussed with knowledgeable sources before going ahead with the task.

To get all the facts consult one of the following sources for more information:

Code Enforcement and
Neighborhood Conservation


319-6857

MSU-DCL Rental Housing Clinic

336-8088

HousingResourceCenter

319-6821

ASMSU Legal Services

353-3716