At move-in, you usually have 48 hours to report:
-
existing damage
-
missing items
-
issues with cleanliness, equipment, or other property conditions
If something is not reported within that period and is only discovered at move-out, it may be considered to have happened during your stay.
This means:
-
the landlord may treat it as tenant-caused damage
-
the repair or replacement cost may be deducted from your deposit
That is why it is very important to:
-
inspect the property carefully at move-in
-
take photos and report all issues within the allowed time frame
-
keep a copy of everything you reported, such as an email or form confirmation