Apartment Exit Inspections and Your Rights

I recently moved out of Williamsburg on the Lake apartments in Valparaiso Indiana, and although my experience with apartment life at Williamsburg on the Lake was not entirely negative, I learned something valuable that is worth sharing regarding exit inspections and turning in keys. Exit inspections are important to protect your rights as a former apartment renter, and the keys should never be turned in early for a number of very important reasons. At Williamsburg on the Lake in Valparaiso Indiana, and probably countless other apartment complexes in Valparaiso Indiana and elsewhere across the United States, your rights are nonexistent once the exit inspections have taken place and the keys are turned in - even if you have paid rent up until a predetermined date. This addition to the apartment rental lease and exit inspection agreement could cost you money, and it is important to know your rights before allowing exit inspections and handing over the keys.

Why the Exit Inspection is Important

Just as an entrance inspection is important when renting an apartment or any other rental, exit inspections are just as important. Being new to renting, I did not insist on an entrance inspection when moving into Williamsburg on the Lake apartments in Valparaiso Indiana. Instead, I mentioned a few defects I noticed on the countertops as well as stains on the carpeting, and missing trim on the shed. Office personnel at Williamsburg on the Lake willingly jotted down the defects I found, and I am glad I had at least brought these problems to their attention - even though they did not recommend doing a walk-through before moving in. Maybe I would have pointed out far too many defects in the Williamsburg on the Lake apartment, or maybe they did not find it necessary, but it is always necessary to protect the renter. Always demand entrance and exit inspections upon moving in and moving out of rental units of any type.

Preplanning Utility Switches and Exit Inspections