There are hundreds of tasks that rental property owners like you have to manage when there’s a tenant moving into the property. It’s easy to miss some of the most crucial things, such as property condition checklists.
During the move-in process, this checklist needs to be a priority. It documents the condition of your home, keeps you organized, and lets you and your tenants agree on how the home should be returned at the end of the lease period.
The checklist serves your tenants, too. Residents don’t want to be blamed for damage that was pre-existing. They want their full security deposits back, and the move-in checklist can facilitate that as well as hold them accountable for any abuse or neglect of the property.
Use a move-in checklist to protect your rental property and address potential issues quickly.
Elements of a Move-In Checklist
Before you can really put your checklist to use, it’s important to ensure that all the necessary information is included there.
We recommend including the following in every rental checklist:
- Name and contact information for tenant and landlord or Kansas City property manager
- Address of property
- Move-in date and move-out date
- Date of move-in inspection
- Tenant signature
- Landlord signature
In addition to this basic information, you will also want to include specifics of each room, including every detail. Your checklist should note the condition of doors, windows, ceilings, floors. Inspect the closets, the cupboards, and the appliances.
Maintenance and Repairs
Once you have your checklist ready, you should conduct a thorough walk-through of your property to make sure everything is functional and ready for the tenant. The first thing on your condition checklist should be any repairs that need to be made before the move-in date.
Take care of all those issues, whether it’s a wall needing new paint or a window needing new screens.
Making these repairs before the tenant moves in will allow you to start the tenancy on a positive note. You won’t have to worry about your tenant being displeased on day one. You’ll also eliminate any early maintenance requests and show your new residents that the care and condition of your property is important to you.
If there are any repairs that need to be made, get your vendors lined up before the move-in date. All work should be completed before your tenant takes possession of the home.
Property Condition and Cleanliness
A clean home is required, so make sure your checklist includes a place for you to document cleanliness as well as maintenance. Your tenants are expecting to move into a property that’s free of dirt and debris. You’re also expecting 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.
Hire professional cleaners to take care of every detail before the tenant moves in, and make sure your checklist reflects that all standards of cleanliness have been met.
If you’re not sure how to create a move-in checklist for your rental inspection, we can help. Contact us at Donley Carver Investment Properties. We lease, manage, and maintain investment properties in Kansas City as well as Liberty, Parkville, Gladstone, and communities North of the River. We’d be happy to help you conduct your move-in inspection.