Statement of Condition – Massachusetts Courts
The Statement of Condition form is a legally required document that your landlord must provide if they take a security deposit from you. It serves to document the condition of your apartment upon your move-in.
Filling out this form accurately is essential to ensure you document the condition of your apartment when you first move in. Follow these steps to complete the form correctly:
Initial Preparation
- Obtain Booklet 2: Housing Code Checklist to help you identify what to look for during your inspection.
- Gather any necessary tools such as a notepad, pen, and camera (if you wish to take pictures for additional documentation).
Inspect the Apartment
- Carefully examine each room in the apartment, including living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and any shared common areas.
- Look for any visible issues such as cracks, holes, stains, broken fixtures, or any other damage.
- Use the Housing Code Checklist as a guide to ensure you don’t miss any critical areas.
Document Issues
- For each room, write down all the problems you observe. Be as detailed as possible.
- Example: “Living Room: Small crack in the ceiling near the window, carpet stain near the door, broken light switch cover.”
Fill Out the Form
- Landlord Information: Enter your landlord’s name, unit number, address, city, and zip code.
- Tenant Information: Enter your name, address, city, and zip code.
- Condition Statement: Provide a detailed account of the condition of the premises. Use the notes you took during your inspection.
- Date: Write the date of your move-in.
- Tenant Signature: Sign the form to validate the information.
Make Copies
- Make a copy of the completed form for your records. This ensures you have proof of the apartment’s condition upon your move-in.
- Send a copy of the form to your landlord. This can be done via mail or email, depending on your landlord’s preference.
Follow Up
- If there are any serious issues, contact your landlord immediately to discuss necessary repairs.
- For minor issues, keep a record and monitor the situation. Ensure you have proof of your responsible tenancy if you decide to discuss these issues later.
By following these steps, you can accurately document the condition of your apartment and protect your security deposit against any unjust charges for pre-existing damages.