Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/934347
course, and Seattle has many laws that are not applicable in other areas of King County, so understand what your rights are depending on where you live. Inspect Thoroughly & Take Photos Before you move in, your landlord usually gives you a document to record the condition of your apartment. Take it a step further and snap some photos for your own records. Email your landlord any concerns you might have about pre- move-in conditions. This way, you'll have evidence should an issue arise. Keep in mind that if you bring up issues after living in the home for weeks or months it will be unlikely that they will be considered "pre- existing". Report Damages Immediately If you've got damages or appliance malfunctions that aren't your fault, make sure to report them and keep records. Take photos. Email your landlord, and keep a copy of that email. Keeping records is important. Even if you don't want the issue fixed, let your landlord know about it as soon as possible, preferably in writing and keep those records. Keep the Rental in Good Condition Yes, it's obvious, but worth repeating. If you or a pet damages something in the unit, take care of it. It might cost you. But your own repair will probably be much less than the leasing company charges when you move out. 8 Home Repairs That Are Not a Landlord's Job Always Ask PRIOR To "improving" The Property If you want to make changes to your rental unit, check with your landlord first. You might consider it an improvement, but that doesn't mean they won't try to charge you for damages. In our lease it requires that any changes or "improvements" require written permission from the landlord. If changes are made that were not approved the tenant is charged for returning the home to the condition it was given. Fix any Changes or Damages Fix any damages or unwanted changes to the unit when you move out. Maybe you've added a crazy paint job, and the company approved it, with the condition that you repaint it upon move-out. Keep in mind that if the paint job that you do looks less than professional the landlord will go ahead and have it repainted - at your expense. So before you paint consider the effort it will require to get it back to the original During the Lease