As you’re preparing to rent out your house, it helps to be organized and consistent with the way things are done. You’ll find that a move-in checklist can be an opportunity for you and your new tenant to work together efficiently. Many tenants report feeling stressed during the move-in process, and if they don’t have a lot of direction and support, the tenancy may not get off to the best start.
Here’s what we recommend for what to include when you’re crafting a move-in checklist for your own purposes and as a resource for your tenants.
Move-In Checklists for Hampton Roads Landlords
The most important reason that landlords need a move-in checklist is to document the condition of the property before the resident moves in. A detailed checklist that includes photos and videos will hold your tenants accountable for any damage they create during the course of the lease period. Having a well-document condition report will decrease the potential for tenant conflicts and security deposit disputes. You’ll also be demonstrating to your residents that you take the condition of your property seriously, and you expect it to be maintained.
Move-In Checklists for Hampton Roads Tenants
Tenants will benefit from this checklist as well. You’ll basically be providing a real-time assessment of how the property looks when your tenants take possession. They can do their own inspection and make notes of anything they feel you missed. It’s written documentation that can also protect residents if there’s a dispute. Tenants can use their checklist to request repairs that may be necessary before they move in completely.
What to Include in Your Move-In Checklist
On the checklist, you should list every room, every outdoor space, and even every closet, surface, floor, wall, ceiling, appliance, sink, tub, and toilet. It must be detailed and comprehensive. Make notes on the inside of the oven and whether or not the doors and windows open, close, and lock.
Cleaning should also be part of your move-in checklist. You’ll want to indicate that the property has been thoroughly and professionally cleaned. Tenants deserve to move into a property that’s free of dirt and debris. The checklist can also be useful in demonstrating to your residents that you expect to get the home returned in clean condition at the end of the lease term. Use your move-in condition checklist to confirm that floors, sinks, tubs, and toilets are free of dirt, debris, and dust.
Make sure both you and your tenants sign the completed checklist. Provide your tenant with a copy so they can use it to prepare to move out at the end of the tenancy. Attach the checklist in digital or printed format to the lease agreement so you can keep it filed until you receive notice from the tenant that they’ll be moving out.
These are some of the considerations to include as you plan for the move-in process with a new tenant. If you’d like some help preparing your Hampton Roads rental home, please contact us at Doud Realty Services.