Once you have done all the screening and background checks that you know are important, you will find an approved tenant and the move in process will begin. Before you actually hand over the keys, it’s important to meet with the tenant and go over a few key things.
First, make sure the lease is signed correctly by all parties. If there are three or four people over the age of 18 living in the house, you have to make sure all of them are listed on the lease, and you also want to make sure they sign it. Double-check to make sure the names are spelled correctly.
Go over the rules and regulations with the tenants. Most of those rules and requirements will be listed in the lease, but discussing them face to face with your tenants will ensure everybody knows what is expected. They won’t be able to claim that they didn’t know something later on.
Walk through the unit with the tenants to inspect the property’s condition. Have them point out anything they see that looks damaged or abnormal. Fill out the move in and move out inspection report as you look at the property. Clearly explain to the tenants that they won’t be charged for any damage that is discovered before move in; that’s the purpose of the inspection report.
Take a lot of pictures during your inspection. We recommend you take as many pictures as you can. Photograph all the rooms, the walls, the flooring, the appliances, light pictures – everything. When you take a lot of pictures, you’ll avoid any disagreements or disputes when you do the move out inspection. You and your tenant might be agreeing on everything right now, during the move in process, but at move out time you might have differing opinions on what has been damaged. Documenting everything ahead of time will help. You and your tenant will benefit from having a written and photographic record of how the property looked before and after.
If you would like additional information about how to prepare for a tenant’s move in, please contact us at Cape Shore Property Management, and we would be happy to help you.
