Once a tenant moves into a rental unit, they have 7 days to report any pre-existing damages to the landlord. Always walk through the apartment  with  the landlord and note any damages that are already present. It can be useful to take pictures or a video and fill out a check-in sheet. Landlords are legally required to give you a check-in sheet upon move-in. If you already moved in before filling out the check-in sheet, still fill it out and submit it to your landlord on time!