checklist for landlords when tenant moves in

Giving tenants a call or sending out an email is a simple way to provide great customer service. If you have not yet received the move-in inspection report from the tenant, remind them of the importance of returning that as soon as possible. This is a great time to address any questions or concerns that may have come up during their moving process. Friendly Follow UpĪbout a week after move-in, check back in with your new tenants. Finally, once the inspection is complete, it should be signed by both the tenants and the landlord or property manager. Either way, this must include a detailed checklist accompanied by photos highlighting any areas of concern and general condition. This is a detailed walk-through that you can complete with the tenant or have them do on their own. Next comes the critical step of completing the move-in inspection. Welcome to move-in day! Ensure all funds (deposit and first month’s rent) are present or were submitted online if you have the capability. If, for some reason, this cannot be verified, do not hand over keys! Ask incoming tenants to send over their confirmation via email this will make verifying with the company much more efficient. If utilities are not included in the rental rate, verify at least 24 hours before the move in that the tenant has set up utilities in their name. Not every landlord requires insurance however, it is in both parties’ best interest and is relatively inexpensive. With signed lease and deposit in hand, instruct the tenant to prepare utility connections and obtain proof of renter’s insurance. Helpful Tip: Need advice on creating a legally binding lease? Check out our blog. Also, be sure to include any compliance requirements, such as a lead paint disclosure. Additionally, it is a good idea to have the tenant initial each page of the lease to acknowledge its contents. Go over each section of the lease with your tenants and answer any questions they may have. If it is within 7 to 10 business days of the move in, we suggest collecting certified funds to guarantee payment. The next step is to prepare the lease for signing and collect funds. That way, they know exactly what is expected of them without relying on remembering everything discussed in your phone call. It is good to keep a quick one-page attachment or standard email template that outlines the requirements for deposits, utilities, insurance, and the lease signing. If you give them a call, follow up by email to notify them of the next steps in the process. Once you have screened and selected the right tenant for your rental, notify them of the good news they are approved. Follow along with the steps below for a smooth move-in process! Marketing, showings, collecting applications, and tenant screening is a lot of work, but the work does not end there. So, with that in mind, below, we walk you through the steps leading up to move in and why a move-in inspection checklist is critical for rental properties. Determining what is damage and normal wear and tear decides how much the security deposit can be withheld, if any. Documenting the property’s condition upon move-in creates a baseline to compare with the move out inspection.

A move-in inspection is just one of the steps, but it is crucial for both landlords and tenants. The application and move-in process for a rental property includes several essential steps.

Checklist for landlords when tenant moves in