The move in inspection provides important documentation for both the resident and the management agent.

This document verifies the condition of the apartment at the time of move in. Items in a worn condition are noted. This provides a baseline for the comparison at move out, supporting the assessment for charges for damaged items.

During annual unit inspections, are sufficient details listed to compare with previous inspections?

Most importantly, if upgrades or replacements have occured during the past year, how are these items listed in the unit inventory? Without accurate documentation, excessive damage by a resident can be difficut to assess.
1. Resident moves in notes stain and cut marks on the countertop.
2. Counters are replaced.
3. Two years later resident moves out. Move out inspection identifies stains on the counter.

If there’s been a change in staffing they may not be aware of the replacement or the timing. If the move out inspection appears to be consistent with the move in; the resident isn’t charged. a two year counter top has been damaged and the property will suffer the expense of the replacement again.

The same scenario can apply to carpet, cabinet and other upgrades or replacements. The annual inspection is an opportunity to record physical changes to the apartment. The convenience of digital photography provides a useful resource in the maintaining a physical inventory for the property.

Maintaining and updating a property inventory can provide important data for the property.