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Move-In Reminders, Utilities, and How to Protect Your Security Deposit

Moving day has a way of making even organized people forget obvious things. This page covers a few reminders that were included in the original welcome materials but matter enough to repeat.

It also includes practical move-in checklists we’ve collected over the years that residents consistently find useful.

If you review this once now and again a few days before move-in, you’ll avoid most common problems we see.

First Thing to Do After Entering the Home

Before unpacking a single box:

  • Test all smoke detectors

  • Test all carbon monoxide detectors

  • Report any non-functioning devices or missing batteries immediately

Carbon monoxide detectors are required if the home has:

  • Gas or propane appliances (not wood)

  • An attached garage

This step isn’t optional and it protects everyone involved.

Utilities: What Must Be Connected Before Move-In

All homeowners place stop orders on utilities unless the lease specifically says otherwise, which is rare. If utilities are not transferred into the resident’s name, they will not be active.

Utilities that must be connected before move-in typically include:

  • Electricity

  • Gas (if applicable)

  • Water

  • Sewer

  • Trash

Cleared or certified funds must also be received in full before keys can be released.

If moving locally, the easiest approach is usually to contact your current providers and request a transfer. They handle most of the work.

Common Utility Providers by Type

Electric

  • With very rare exceptions, Duke Energy serves all of our markets

Gas

  • With very rare exceptions, PSNC serves all of our markets

  • Many inland homes require gas for heat or hot water

  • Even coastal homes sometimes require gas, so confirm early

Water, Sewer, Trash

  • These vary significantly by location

  • Many Triangle-area and Charlotte homes use city services

  • Wilmington and some surrounding areas may use private providers with multiple options

Reviewing the welcome checklist now and again about three days before move-in is strongly recommended.

Media Services (Internet, Cable)

Most areas are served by Spectrum and AT&T, though other options may be available depending on location.

  • Residents are free to choose any provider

  • Account managers can assist with power, gas, and water questions

  • Media services are not handled by management

A quick Google search usually surfaces the best local options.

Utility Stop Order Issues and Fees

Some utility providers do not allow stop orders. When that happens, charges may temporarily hit the homeowner and must then be prorated back to the resident.

When this occurs:

  • Charges are added to the resident ledger

  • A $50 administrative fee applies

This fee is not a profit center. It exists to discourage preventable utility issues that create unnecessary accounting work.

Want a Full Security Deposit Refund?

The most important step, beyond normal care of the home, is completing a thorough move-in inspection.

This inspection establishes the condition of the home at the start of the lease and protects residents at move-out.

Move-In Inspection Tips

  • Be detailed and specific

  • Do not rush through the form

  • Submit it within 10 days of the lease start date

  • This documentation often helps resolve disputes with owners

Photos are strongly encouraged. Free cloud photo storage options are widely available and make this easy.

Helpful Moving Checklists and Resources

These aren’t required, just genuinely useful:

A downloadable move-in inspection form is also available here.

Final Notes

Cleared funds, utilities connected, inspection completed. Those three things eliminate most move-in and move-out problems before they start.

— Customer Service Team