When you sign the lease on a new place, the first thing you should do, even before moving any furniture in, is take move-in photo documentation. Move-in photo documentation is your proof of any damage that may have occurred prior to moving in. That way there are no disputes with your deposit when you move out.

Go around the apartment and take pictures of everything, even the landscape (if you’re responsible for the yard). Take time to look at everything – even the oven and cupboards because your landlord will scope out all the details when you leave.