08/18/2026
As an attorney, I handle a few tenant-landlord issues. When tenants come to me on issues of security deposits and claims for damages, I have learned that tenants often lose these cases because they have not properly secured their rights under the law. A piece of advice for any tenant. Prior to moving any personal property into the unit, take pictures of the property, and create a detailed list of the condition of the property. Open doors, drawers, and windows. Check for dings, nicks, scratches and any other issue you find. Then send the picture and list of issues to the landlord, and document that you sent the landlord the pictures and list . Also, save the pictures and list and keep it in a safe place. Otherwise, it is highly likely you will lose any civil case for damages if the landlord sues you.
