①Planning Ahead
Starting early prevents last-minute chaos and costly overlap. A structured timeline gives you leverage to negotiate moving dates, utility transfers, and security-deposit logistics. Begin 90 days before your anticipated move by confirming lease start, budgeting for the first month’s rent plus deposit, and obtaining renter’s-insurance quotes. At 60 days, review your current lease for notice requirements and serve proper notice. Thirty days out, line up moving supplies, measure doorways, and request parking permits if your city requires them. Use a simple spreadsheet to track dates such as utility activation, elevator reservations, and cable technician windows. If leases overlap, ask the outgoing landlord for a prorated ending to save on duplicate rent. Planning also means creating a move-in folder—digital or paper—where you store your signed lease, receipts, and photos. Finally, schedule a clean vehicle or professional movers, and factor California’s notorious traffic into your timing.
②Essential Supplies
A room-by-room toolkit minimizes return trips to the hardware store. Stock a broom, microfiber cloths, pH-neutral floor cleaner, blue painter’s tape, LED bulbs, outlet tester, plunger, and tub caulk. Kitchens benefit from degreaser, new drip pans, and baking soda for fridge odors. Bathrooms need mildew remover and a new shower curtain liner. Bedrooms call for felt pads to protect hardwood and a screwdriver set for furniture assembly. Keep a headlamp or phone flashlight handy to inspect under sinks for leaks. For masonry walls, buy removable adhesive hooks rated for your expected weight. Finally, a portable label maker or masking-tape tags help identify breaker switches, water shut-off valves, and storage bins. Using generic “store brand” items cuts cost without sacrificing effectiveness.
③Documenting Condition
Civil Code §1950.5 makes proof king—photos can save hundreds later. Perform a systematic
walkthrough before moving a single box. Film a slow-pan video with date stamp and geolocation turned on, then
photograph each wall, appliance, and floor section. Include close-ups of scuffs or water stains. Save files using
a naming convention like 123-Main-St_2025-08-01_kitchen_floor.jpg. The interactive table below lets
you check items off and download a CSV record for your email archive.
| Item | Acceptable Condition | Photo Taken? |
|---|---|---|
| Walls | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
| Floors | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
| Windows | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
| Doors | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
| Appliances | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
| Smoke Detectors | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
| Exterior Entry | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
| Plumbing Fixtures | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
| Electrical Outlets | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
| HVAC Filters | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
| Yard/Balcony | Clean, damage-free, functioning | □ |
CSV is for personal records only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
④Utilities & Setup
Activate utilities early to avoid service gaps and unnecessary fees. California providers typically require 24–72 hours’ notice. PG&E and SoCal Edison charge a one-time connection fee ($10–$15), while municipal water services may bill a refundable deposit. Internet installation windows can stretch to five days during peak moving seasons. For gas appliances, request a pilot-light check. Low-income renters should inquire about CARE or FERA discount programs that reduce utility bills by up to 35 %. Hot water and adequate electrical service are non-negotiable habitability elements—review them in our habitability guide. Keep confirmation numbers and the service start date in your move-in folder.
⑤Keys & Locks
Verify that every lock works before signing the walkthrough sheet. California landlords must supply at least one working key per tenant for each entry point and re-key between occupants. Test deadbolts, sliding-door latches, mailbox locks, and gate padlocks. Photograph each key on a white sheet of paper for size reference and mark unique identifiers (e.g., “Top Deadbolt”). If you duplicate keys, confirm the lease permits it; unauthorized copies can void liability coverage. For electronic fobs, check battery life and request a written policy on replacement costs. Record any sticky lock in the inspection form and email maintenance requests within 24 hours.
Do: Confirm Smoke-Detector Beeps
Press and hold every test button until the alarm sounds. Take a five-second video as proof and replace any non-functioning batteries immediately, notifying the landlord in writing.
Don’t: Assume Outlets Are Grounded
Two-prong adapters do not guarantee safety. Use an outlet tester to identify open grounds and miswiring, then list defects on your move-in condition form for prompt repair.
Do: Run Every Faucet for 2 Minutes
Observe water clarity and listen for pipe hammering. Video any discoloration; it substantiates later claims for plumbing fixes or rent reductions.
Don’t: Spackle Holes Without Matching Paint
Improper patches can trigger “excessive damage” deductions. Consult the landlord for exact paint brand, finish, and color code before repairs.
⑥Habitability Walk-Through
A 10-point scan reveals issues before they become emergencies. Look for roof leaks, mold on windowsills, functioning heaters, adequate hot water, pest droppings, broken railing, secure locks, operational smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, proper trash receptacles, and safe stairwells. Use baking soda in a jar to absorb odors overnight—persistent smells often signal hidden moisture problems. If any item fails inspection, document it and request written repair timelines. California’s “repair-and-deduct” remedy requires prior notice, so keep communication clear and stored safely. For deeper analysis, see our repairs guide.
⑦Lease Verification
Your lease and any house-rules addenda must align. Cross-check rent amount, due date, included utilities, pet policy, parking terms, and existing damage notes. Confirm that “no-painting” clauses or excessive late-fee amounts do not violate California law. Any verbal promises—like new carpet or paint—should be added in writing before you sign. Take photographs of each page for remote access and email yourself a PDF scan. For more on contract compliance, visit lease-violations/ and privacy-rights/.
⑧First-Week Tasks
The first seven days set the tone for a stress-free tenancy. File USPS change-of-address (Form 3575), update voter registration, and share your new address with financial institutions. Map emergency exits and nearest fire extinguisher. Replace HVAC filters and set calendar reminders for quarterly changes. Create a digital “renter file” with inspection photos, lease, receipts, and our CSV download. Introduce yourself to neighbors—courtesy goes a long way in resolving future noise issues. Photograph initial utility meter readings to prevent billing surprises. Finally, schedule a backup copy of your documentation to the cloud in case devices are lost.
Move-In Step-by-Step Guide
- Schedule movers, elevator reservations, and pre-move-in walkthroughs at least two weeks in advance.
- Gather supplies—cleaners, tools, outlet tester, labels—before the moving truck arrives.
- Inspect every room methodically, using our interactive checklist to record acceptable condition and toggle photo proofs.
- Document with timestamped photos, video, and the downloaded CSV; store duplicates in cloud storage.
- Sign the move-in condition sheet with the landlord, noting any promised repairs and dates.
- File copies of all paperwork and set reminders for filter changes, rent due dates, and inspection follow-ups.