Top 10 Mistakes Renters Make When Moving In — And How to Avoid Them

When you're moving into a new home or apartment, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement. New space, new neighborhood, new routines. But this is exactly when many renters make costly mistakes — the kind that can jeopardize your security deposit or lead to disputes with your landlord.

At Tenant Inspect, we've seen it all. Below are the 10 most common mistakes renters make when moving in, and exactly how you can avoid them by being proactive and smart — including using tools like our Tenant Inspect mobile app.

1. Not Performing a Detailed Move-In Inspection

Skipping or rushing through your move-in inspection is one of the biggest mistakes renters make. Landlords typically perform their own walkthrough, but you should never rely solely on theirs. If they miss or ignore damage, guess who might get blamed later?

👉 Fix: Use the Tenant Inspect app to perform your own thorough inspection. The app walks you through room-by-room and lets you upload time-stamped photos and notes for documentation.

2. Failing to Take Photos of Pre-Existing Damage

Photos are your best defense. Without them, it's your word against your landlord's — especially if there's a dispute months later.

👉 Fix: Photograph everything — even the small scuffs, stains, or cracks. Tenant Inspect makes this simple with photo uploads tied to each room and feature.

3. Not Reviewing (or Requesting) a Move-In Checklist

Some states require landlords to provide a move-in checklist. If you're not given one, ask for it. If they don't have one, that's a red flag — and another reason to create your own documentation.

👉 Fix: Download our free inspection checklist template or use the guided version inside the Tenant Inspect app to create your own reliable record.

4. Assuming Verbal Promises Will Be Honored

Did your landlord say they'd replace that broken fixture or clean the carpets? Get it in writing. Verbal agreements are easily forgotten or denied later.

👉 Fix: Document all conditions and repair promises in your own inspection report. Include photos and notes in the Tenant Inspect app so there's a clear record.

5. Not Checking Small Details (That Could Cost You Later)

Don't forget to inspect outlets, light fixtures, vents, smoke detectors, and faucets. Minor things can become major points of contention during move-out.

👉 Fix: Tenant Inspect's detailed room-by-room prompts help ensure you don't miss anything.

6. Overlooking Appliances

Dishwashers, fridges, ovens, laundry units — these should all be checked for functionality, cleanliness, and damage. A sticky fridge shelf or a broken burner can later be blamed on you.

👉 Fix: Open, test, and photograph each appliance. If you find something questionable, document it.

7. Ignoring Mold, Pests, or Water Damage

These issues might be subtle but could signal serious problems. If you ignore them, you could be liable for damage or cleanup later.

👉 Fix: Pay attention to musty smells, dark stains, or pest droppings. Photograph anything suspicious and include it in your inspection record.

8. Not Notifying the Landlord Promptly

Even if you document everything, not alerting your landlord early can weaken your case later. Communication is part of protection.

👉 Fix: After completing your Tenant Inspect report, send a copy to your landlord and request written confirmation of any follow-up actions.

9. Signing the Lease Before Inspecting

If you sign before walking through the unit, you're already accepting its condition — good or bad.

👉 Fix: Always inspect before signing. Use the Tenant Inspect app on-site to document and reference any concerns before committing.

10. Assuming You Don't Need Your Own Records

Some renters believe it's not their job to keep records — that the landlord's inspection is enough. That's rarely true.

👉 Fix: Landlords may lose, misplace, or conveniently "forget" details. Your own inspection report is your protection — and with Tenant Inspect, it's easy, digital, and ready when you need it.