Court records / evidence

Put everything in writing. Read your lease before you sign and keep a copy. Save texts, letters, photos, and receipts. A paper trail is your best proof if there is ever an issue.

Make a record of the home's condition on the day you move in. Fill out a written checklist and take photos and video of every room. Note the date on each photo. This record shows that old damage was there before you moved in.

Take photos of the whole home on the day you move in. Write down every problem you see and keep a copy. Do the same on the day you move out. Photos and lists are your proof if there is a fight later. On move out day, return every key to the landlord. Ask the landlord to walk through the home with you. Ask for a signed list of any damage and keep a copy.

Keep every receipt, bank statement, and communication related to rent payments. A clear paper trail is essential if you need to demonstrate what you paid or when a payment was received.

Document the condition of the unit when you move out: take date-stamped photographs of every room and conduct a move-out walk-through with the landlord if possible. Request a written statement of any claimed damage at that time.

Document every problem: take date-stamped photographs and video of each condition (mold, rodent droppings, broken fixtures, standing water). Create a written log with the date you first noticed each problem and any communications with your landlord.

Before you hand back the keys and vacate the property, clean the home and take photos of each room. The photos are your proof of the condition you left. After you move, send your landlord a letter asking for your deposit back and keep a copy. The landlord has 30 days to answer you in writing.

Expect your landlord to sue you for the unpaid rent. Bring your letter of attempted repairs and your proof to the hearing. Bring pictures, work estimates, and possible repair invoices to the hearing.

Document every serious condition with date-stamped photos, videos, and a written log of hazards and impacts.