get you to pay for something that you didn't mess up you will have proof. Good luck in your new home.

when you do a walkthrough. Have the list attached to both copies of the lease. This just makes sure you won't get socked for it when you leave. Make sure windows open and shut. Make sure taps all work and drains run freely.

Then move in and enjoy your new place! It's got to be pure heaven after camping out in a semi legal flat being used as a cash cow--you know, a slumlord apartment.

He gave a list of landlords that the office recommended to us and had been informed about our situation. Those landlords where understanding and supportive of us unfortunately a lot of them couldn't have a place ready until Jan 1st. We got a tip from a handy man we know and called about the landlord we are going to sign the papers with and they said he had a good record with code.

no matter how you find them. Just check those windows and drains and check the place for dings and stains and document everything.

With your history, pop the thermostat up a notch and see what happens, too. Just don't forget to reset it downward before you leave.

first went to see the place he his workers had just finished laying the pipes for the furnace and where repairing the walls in a sense to hide the pipes/duct work. Gas company is coming on Friday to do the last of the work to connect the house to the main line.

ask the fire department to make a courtesy call regarding safety recomendations

...in all outlets. Also, check out all of the windows and doors...make sure they work and lock when needed. Put all discrepancies in writing and have the landlord sign off to acknowledge the issues. Keep a copy in a safe place.

The furnace fan sounds like it needs to be adjusted or replaced...that is definitely something you need the landlord to have repaired. Make that #1 on your discrepancy list.

all the issues. We are going to court as witnesses (my wife and I) for the neighbor who is being "sued" for non payment of the rent. She had the money and like us waiting for the repairs to be made and the house to pass inspection.

Considering we never heard from or saw the landlord for 3 months during the summer months. My wife and I paid rent at a lawyers office for months and he never respond to our request to fix our bathroom.

so when code came and inspected both sides of the Duplex we all ( the neighbors and my wife and I) agreed to tell the landlord we will gladly give you the money for rent when this house passes inspection and basically we are tired of him showing up demanding the rent and not doing the repairs.

You might get something simple repaired for for free, or at least get the issue diagnosed so your landlord can get it repaired.

Make sure the toilets flush, the water taps work, the lights come on. That doors that are supposed to lock do so and those that shouldn't lock don't stick. That windows that should open will and that the locks work on those as well.

If the place has a fireplace, make sure the damper opens and shuts and ask the landlord when the flue was last cleaned.

Make sure the appliances operate. If they are older, check seals around the refrigerator and oven. If there is a garbage disposer, turn it on and off. Take a quick at the pipes under the sinks and look for leaks, rust, etc.

Take along a small electrical appliance and plug it in to a socket in each room (assuming the power is on).

If you note issues, make sure you have an agreement to get them fixed with your landlord before you sign your lease.

Good luck and enjoy your new home!