To avoid being charged for damages caused by previous tenants, a damage checklist should be completed by you and your roommates as soon as you move in.
Many landlords provide damage checklist forms.
If your landlord does not, you may use the checklist in this guide. It is important to be as specific and descriptive as possible about the damages you list. Once completed, the list should be signed by your landlord as well as you and your roommates. Make sure your landlord gets a copy, then keep a second one until your security deposit is returned. This list will ensure that you will not be charged for damages you did not cause.