Housing

After weeks (or months) of applications and paperwork, getting a unit offer can feel like the finish line. But the move-in stage has its own checklist: deposits, lease documents, utility setup, and rules that are slightly different from a typical market-rate apartment—especially if your unit is income-restricted or subsidized.

This guide walks through what usually happens between “approved” and “keys in hand,” what to bring on move-in day, how to avoid surprise costs, and how to protect yourself during your first month in the unit.

Overview: The Move-In Stage Is a Short, Fast Process

Once a property offers you a unit, things often move quickly. You may have limited time to:

  • Accept the unit offer
  • Provide any final documents
  • Pay required move-in costs
  • Sign the lease and program addendums
  • Set up utilities (if tenant-paid)
  • Schedule move-in and get keys

Tip: If you’re on multiple waitlists, keep your move-in documents and funds ready so you don’t lose a unit due to timing.

Step 1: Understand Your Total Move-In Costs

Low-income apartments often have regulated rents, but move-in costs can still include several items. Ask for a written breakdown that includes:

  • Security deposit
  • First month’s rent (or prorated rent if moving mid-month)
  • Any required fees (application fees, admin fees, screening fees if applicable)
  • Utility deposits (if you must open new utility accounts)
  • Optional fees (parking, storage, pet deposit/pet rent)

Practical note: Some properties require certified funds (money order/cashier’s check). Ask what payment types are accepted and get receipts for everything.

Step 2: Lease Documents You’ll Likely Sign

In addition to a standard lease, affordable housing often includes extra paperwork. Common documents include:

  • Program addendums explaining income-restriction rules and compliance requirements
  • Household composition statements confirming who will live in the unit
  • Recertification/annual review disclosures
  • Community rules (guest policy, parking, noise, amenities)

Read these carefully—especially rules about guests, occupants, and reporting household changes. Many problems in affordable housing come from “someone moved in” without approval or guest rules being violated.

Step 3: Utilities and “What’s Included” (Don’t Assume)

Before move-in, confirm exactly which utilities are included and which are tenant-paid:

  • Electric
  • Gas
  • Water/sewer
  • Trash
  • Internet/cable

If utilities are tenant-paid, ask:

  • Which providers serve the building?
  • When should you start service (move-in date or earlier)?
  • Is there a utility deposit required?
  • Is there a utility allowance (if the property uses one)?

Tip: Start utility setup as soon as you accept the unit offer. Utility account delays can delay move-in.

Step 4: Inspect the Unit Before You Move In

Even good properties can have issues: scratches, stains, broken blinds, damaged screens, or missing smoke detectors. Do a careful walk-through and document everything.

What to do:

  • Take photos and video of every room, walls, floors, appliances, and fixtures.
  • Test basic items: lights, outlets, faucets, toilet flush, stove burners, fridge temp, heater/AC.
  • Ask for a move-in condition form and write down every issue (even small ones).
  • Submit your form on time (some properties require it within a few days).

This protects your security deposit later and gets repairs addressed faster.

Step 5: Understand Occupancy and Guest Rules

Affordable housing programs can be strict about who lives in the unit. Common rules include:

  • Only approved household members may live in the unit
  • Guests may have limits (for example, max nights per month)
  • Adding a household member often requires approval and documentation

Tip: If your household situation changes (marriage, newborn, custody change), notify management early and ask what documentation is needed.

Step 6: Your First Month: Set Yourself Up for Success

The first 30 days are when you build a strong “tenant record.” Do these things early:

Pay Rent the Same Way Every Month

Use a consistent method (portal, check, money order). Save receipts or screenshots. This is valuable if any disputes happen later.

Submit Maintenance Requests Properly

Even if you tell a manager in person, submit requests through the official method (portal/email). That creates a record and speeds up response.

Learn the Recertification Expectations

Ask the office:

  • When is annual recertification?
  • How will you be notified?
  • What documents are typically required?

Then set a reminder 60 days before your anniversary date.

Keep a “Housing Folder”

Save:

  • Lease and addendums
  • Receipts and payment confirmations
  • Move-in condition form
  • Maintenance requests and responses
  • Recertification notices

Common Move-In Problems (And How to Avoid Them)

  • Problem: Missing funds for deposits.
    Fix: Ask for a full cost breakdown early and plan for utility deposits too.
  • Problem: Utilities not set up in time.
    Fix: Start utility setup immediately after accepting the unit.
  • Problem: Surprises about parking, pets, or fees.
    Fix: Ask for the full fee schedule and community rules before signing.
  • Problem: Losing security deposit later due to pre-existing damage.
    Fix: Document everything on move-in day and submit the condition form on time.

Pros

  • Housing stability with rent that is often below market-rate.
  • Clear rules once you understand what the program requires.
  • Predictable process when you follow the move-in checklist.

Cons

  • Upfront costs can still be challenging (deposit + fees + utilities).
  • Extra rules around occupants and reporting household changes.
  • Administrative deadlines that can be strict.

Conclusion: A Smooth Move-In Comes From Preparation

Getting approved is a huge step, but a successful move-in depends on details: understanding your costs, setting up utilities early, documenting unit condition, and learning the program’s rules for occupants and recertification. Treat move-in like a checklist, keep good records, and your first month will be calmer—and your housing will be more stable long-term.