Furnished Apartment Inventory Checklist Egypt: 10 Essential Items to Review
The excitement of moving into a new apartment often blinds tenants to the boring details. You see the view, you see the comfy sofa, and you sign. But six months later, when you move out, that “comfy sofa” becomes a $500 dispute.
In Cairo, the #1 reason for Security Deposit disputes is the Inventory List. Landlords remember the apartment being “brand new,” while tenants remember it being “gently used.” Without a documented baseline, it is your word against theirs. The Furnished apartment inventory checklist Egypt is your financial shield. It is not just a list of spoons and forks; it is a legal document that defines the condition of the asset. At Edara Property Services, our handover process is forensic. We document every scratch so that you are never charged for damage you didn’t cause. This guide highlights the 10 essential items you must check before accepting the keys.
What to check in a furnished rental inventory?
When renting furnished, verify the condition of HVAC units, kitchen appliances, and mattress quality. Ensure the detailed inventory list is signed and attached to the contract to avoid unfair deductions from the security deposit upon move-out.
The “High-Risk” Checklist:
- HVAC: Remote controls present? Filters clean? Cooling properly?
- Appliances: Fridge seals, Oven knobs, Washing machine drum.
- Mattress: Stains, sagging, or bed bugs (lift the sheets).
- Upholstery: Cigarette burns or tears on sofas.
- Walls: Existing nail holes or scuff marks.
1. The “Condition Report” vs. The “Item List”
Most landlords provide a simple list: “1 Sofa, 1 Table, 4 Chairs.” This is useless. You need a Condition Report. It should say: “1 Sofa (Beige, minor stain on left armrest).” If the renting furnished inventory list does not describe the condition, you are implicitly accepting it as “perfect.” When you move out, any pre-existing stain becomes your liability.
- Pro Tip: Take a video walk-through on your phone on Day 1. Send it to the landlord or agent via WhatsApp immediately. This creates a time-stamped visual record that is hard to dispute later.
2. The HVAC Stress Test
Air conditioners are the most expensive items to repair. Don’t just turn them on. Let them run for 15 minutes. Check if they drip water inside. Check if the remote control screen works (batteries leak?). In our managed properties, we perform an AC service before the tenant moves in to ensure efficiency. This is part of the standard for any high-quality [LINK: Furnished Apartment for Rent in Degla Maadi 26 | ANCHOR: furnished apartment in Degla].
3. Kitchen Appliances: The Hidden Grime
Open the oven. Is it clean? Turn on the stove burners—do they all ignite? Checking appliances rental Cairo requires hands-on testing. Run the washing machine on a “Rinse” cycle to ensure it drains and doesn’t leak. Check the rubber seal on the fridge door; if it is cracked, the fridge will overwork and fail. These are “Wear and Tear” items, but you don’t want to start your tenancy with broken gear.
4. Soft Furnishings: Mattresses and Curtains
This is where hygiene meets finance. Lift the mattress protector. Look for stains. A stained mattress allows the landlord to charge you for a full replacement (thousands of EGP) upon exit. Check the curtains. Are the hooks intact? Are they sun-damaged/faded? Documenting “sun fading” is crucial because it is natural deterioration, not tenant damage.
5. The “Cutlery Count”
It sounds petty, but counting spoons matters. High-end rentals often come with expensive crockery. If the inventory says “6 Wine Glasses” and there are only 5, note it down. At $10 a glass, these small items add up. However, don’t obsess over cheap items. Focus on the expensive electronics (TVs, Routers, Microwaves) and furniture integrity.
Conclusion
The inventory list is not about mistrust; it is about clarity. A professional landlord respects a tenant who is thorough, because it shows they care about the property.
Moving in or out? Protect your deposit. Download the Ultimate Inventory Checklist PDF to document every item professionally and avoid unfair deductions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who creates the inventory list?
A: Usually the landlord or the real estate agent. However, it is the tenant’s duty to verify it. You have the right to amend the list (add notes) before signing.
Q: What is “Fair Wear and Tear”?
A: This refers to the natural deterioration of an object over time (e.g., carpet traffic marks, paint fading). Tenants are not liable for this. They are only liable for “Damage” (e.g., red wine on the carpet, holes in the wall).
Q: Can I refuse to sign the inventory?
A: No, but you can sign “Subject to verification within 48 hours.” This gives you two days to live in the space and spot issues (like a noisy fridge) that you missed during the initial 15-minute walkthrough.
Blog Excerpt
Protect your deposit with our Furnished apartment inventory checklist Egypt. Verify 10 essential items from HVAC to mattresses before you sign. Avoid unfair charges with our move-in guide.