Moving In: Your First Week

Before keys: the lease's three requirements

1. Signed lease — and move-in funds paid in certified form (cash, money order, or cashier's check).
2. Utilities in your name. The lease requires proof of your service contracts before keys are released. Typically that's electric (Duquesne Light), gas (Peoples), and water/sewer — which company serves your address varies by borough, so ask us and we'll point you right. Set start dates to your lease start.
3. The walkthrough. We complete the pre-entry inspection form together, documenting the unit's condition. Note everything — the scuff, the worn spot, the chip. That form is what protects your deposit at move-out.

Renters insurance (just do it)

Our insurance covers the building — not your belongings, and not your liability. The lease makes insuring your property and liability your responsibility. A renters policy runs about $15/month, and the day a pipe bursts over your TV is the day it becomes the best money you spend all year.

Your first-week scavenger hunt

• Main water shut-off — usually basement, street side, near the meter. You want to know this before you need it (here's why).
• Breaker panel — and which breaker is which, if labeled (the power guide explains GFCIs too).
• Smoke and CO detectors — test each one. Keeping working batteries in them is your job under the lease.
• Trash day — collection day and rules differ by borough; ask us or check your borough's site. Recycling here is single-stream but picky about plastic bags (don't bag recyclables).

Plug into the office

• Register on this site so we have your contact info and emergency contact on file from day one.
• Save the office number ((412) 555-0123) and bookmark the work order form.
• Anything not right in week one — submit it. Small stuff reported early is exactly what the form is for.

One more lease note

Changes to the unit — painting, mounting, new locks — need written consent first (the lease policy page has the full picture). When in doubt, ask before you drill.