QUESTION: Lease agreement: how to record the condition of the apartment upon move-in?

Recording the condition of the apartment upon move-in is a critically important stage that helps avoid conflicts upon eviction. To do this, it is useful to pre-calculate the basic scenario of successful apartment handover without claims and the stress scenario with possible disputes about scratches and breakdowns.

Allow a psychological and time buffer of 10–20 percent for a detailed inspection of each room. Do not rush when signing documents on the day of move-in, because it is at this moment that the foundation of your financial relationship with the landlord is laid.

Decide in advance which expenses and minor defects you are ready to accept as-is, and which flaws must be eliminated before you move in. Draw up a detailed inventory of property and record all existing damage in a special appendix to the agreement.

Be sure to include a clause stating that all hidden plumbing or wiring defects identified in the first days of living will be eliminated by the landlord. This approach guarantees the transparency of the transaction and protects both parties from unjustified claims in the future.