Moving into a new place should feel like a fresh start. For households using a housing voucher, the path from approval to key pickup comes with a few extra steps: paperwork, inspections, and utility setup. With a clear plan, each step becomes manageable — and move-in day feels a lot less stressful.
This checklist is designed for Baltimore renters using Section 8 housing choice vouchers, but most steps apply anywhere. Use it as a guide, mark your own dates, and stay organized along the way.
Step 1: Secure Lease Approval from the Housing Authority
Everything starts with a lease that follows voucher rules. After you choose a unit, the landlord or property manager submits an unsigned lease to the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC). Wait for written confirmation from your caseworker before you sign.
Why it matters: Lease clauses for rent, utilities, and renewals must match program limits. Signing too early can trap you in unnecessary paperwork problems.
When approval arrives, print the email and store it in a folder labeled “Lease.” Keep a digital copy too — you’ll need it during recertifications or if a dispute arises.
Step 2: Prepare for the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection
The HQS inspection ensures your new home is safe. Inspectors will check:
- Working locks on doors and windows
- Running hot water
- Solid stairs and railings
- Smoke detectors in place
- Paint free of peeling chips
Before inspection day:
- Test every light switch and faucet
- Push the smoke-alarm buttons
- Walk through the apartment and note any issues to your landlord
If the unit is cat-friendly, keep the litter box clean and vaccination papers handy. Passing on the first try speeds payment to the landlord and gets you into your new place on schedule.
Step 3: Gather and Organize Your Documents
Moving day is busy, and papers can disappear under boxes. Keep vital documents in one folder that stays with you:
- Photo IDs for all adults
- Your active Section 8 voucher award letter
- Approved lease copy
- Social Security cards for household members
- Utility setup confirmations
Tip: Scan each page and save it to secure cloud storage. Labeled files show property managers and inspectors that you’re organized and reliable.
Step 4: Set Up Utilities in Advance
Electricity, gas, water, and internet should be ready the day you move in. In Baltimore, most households call BGE for power and gas and set up water service through the city. Book internet installation early — summer slots fill up fast.
Write each account number and billing cycle in your binder. If your voucher covers utilities, pay only the difference. Don’t forget to ask who pays for trash pickup, as fees vary by building.
Step 5: Budget for Out-of-Pocket Costs
Your voucher helps with rent, but other costs are yours to handle. Plan for:
- Security deposit
- Pet deposit (if required)
- Application fees (before approval)
- Moving truck rental
- Renter’s insurance
First shopping trip essentials: trash bags, shower curtain, sponges, light bulbs, and a few groceries. Save receipts — they’re useful if HABC asks about expenses during recertification.
Step 6: Coordinate with Property Management
Good communication makes move-in easier. Once you know your date:
- Inform the office in writing
- Ask about loading zones, entry codes, and mail keys
- Confirm maintenance phone numbers and response times
Professional property managers, like The Mt Washington Group, often guide renters through inspections and move-ins. A quick introduction to your resident manager also helps — people respond faster when they know you personally.
Step 7: Plan the Moving Day Route
Visit the unit a few days early. Walk the route from the truck to your door. Measure doorways, check for tight turns, and note any elevator restrictions.
Label boxes by room, and keep one small bag with night-one essentials: toiletries, bedding, a charger, and a pot or pan. That way, you can shower, sleep, and eat without digging through boxes.
Step 8: Complete a Move-In Inspection
Before unloading, walk through the unit with the landlord or agent. Take photos of:
- Walls, floors, and windows
- Appliances and fixtures
- Any pre-existing damage
Record everything on a move-in form and ask for a signed copy. This protects your deposit and prevents disputes later.
Step 9: Learn Tenant Responsibilities Early
Voucher or not, lease rules apply to everyone. Pay your portion of rent on time, keep the home clean, and report maintenance issues quickly. For pet-friendly units, follow all guidelines (including weight limits or litter upkeep).
Baltimore winters bring frozen pipe risks. Keep a slow drip on faucets and open sink cabinets during cold snaps to prevent damage — repairs for tenant neglect can be costly.
Step 10: Track Spending After Move-In
For the first three months, log all housing costs: rent share, utilities, internet, and groceries. Compare them against your budget and adjust as needed.
Stable spending makes recertification easier when HABC reviews your finances — and helps renters searching for voucher-friendly apartments in Baltimore keep long-term stability.
Conclusion
A smooth move-in takes planning. Wait for HABC’s lease approval, prepare for the HQS inspection, set up utilities early, and budget for extra costs. Stay in touch with property management, document everything, and track your finances to stay on top of the process.
At The Mt Washington Group, we’re proud to welcome voucher holders into our Baltimore communities. Whether you’re moving to Park Heights, Charles Village, or Northwest Baltimore, our goal is to make move-in day as seamless as possible so you can focus on enjoying your new home. And in a city where cheering for the Ravens or catching an Orioles game brings neighbors together, having a stable home makes all the difference.