The Pollet Group
YOUR AUSTIN RENTAL SPECIALIST!

1. Contact City of Austin to activate utilities.  512.974.2000 (City of Austin)
Call at least 2 to 3 days in advance. City of Austin should offer same day expedited service for $55.

2. Turn on the gas.
If the stove or water heater uses natural gas, contact Texas Gas Service if in the greater Austin area. (Texas Gas Services)

3. Take pictures of interior and exterior of the home for record of initial condition. (Email pictures to owner or management company to establish the date the pictures were taken.  This may be THE most important step for a new tenant. It is the easiest step but most often forgotten)

4. Complete Move-In Inventory and Condition form. (Be very picky and point out as many imperfections or missing items as possible. Look out to record holes in the wall, cracks, loose handles, etc.  Also, look to see if the property has door stops so that you do not create holes in the wall.  If the property does not, be sure to record this fact and pursue getting door stops. Look for window screens and missing light fixtures. Be sure to get a signed copy back from the owner or management with their signatures at the bottom of each page. This establishes acceptance by the landlord of what you claim on the form)

5. Complete change of address with USPS. 

6. Check air filters, smoke and fire alarm batteries. (If the property has gas, make sure it has CO2 detectors and not just smoke/fire detectors!)

7.  Be sure to receive back a SIGNED copy of the lease agreement by the landlord. (If you have any pets that have been approved, be sure to fill out the Pet Addendum that grants your pet written permission.  Without the pet addendum, you risk being evicted or charged penalties at the landlord's discretion. Protect yourself!)

8. Obtain Renter's Insurance! (This protects against fire, theft, flood, etc) The landlord's policy does NOT insure you against any losses.

9. Get a receipt for ALL payments, ESPECIALLY for money orders or cashier's checks. Although you can retain the receipt for a cashier's check or money order, you should get a receipt from the landlord. This establishes that you actually paid it.  

Sample
"Tenant (Cindy Renter) has paid Landlord (Bob Owner) $500 in the form of cashier's check for rent for August 1, 2009 to August 31, 2009 for the property at 123 Renters Lane  Austin TX 78701. (You can write this on a regular sheet of paper. This may protect you!! Never pay with cash)

10. Introduce yourself to your new neighbors!

For a more comprehensive list of moving tips, visit www.upack.com

[Includes Austin Rental Houses & Surrounding Areas]

The Pollet Group complies with the Fair Housing Act (Civil Rights Act of 1968)
An Equal Opportunity Company.

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