Perhaps the most important part of the move-in process for both tenants and landlords is the property condition checklist.
Why is this so important? Because it isn’t only used during the move-in process. It’s also used at the end of the lease term, when a tenant is moving out and a landlord is deciding what to do about the security deposit.
A checklist keeps you organized before and during a tenant’s moving in. It also allows you to accurately document the condition of your property before that tenant takes possession of it.
Move-In Process: Repair Checklist
Do a thorough walk-through of your property before move-in day to make sure that the home is ready for your new tenant. Use your checklist to reflect that everything is in good working order or to make notes about what kind of work is still needed. Habitability and safety issues are obviously most important. There needs to be access to water, electricity, and plumbing. Minor issues are just as important. Check all of the outlets, for example. Make sure the windows lock. Test every appliance and turn on the water in each faucet.
We always recommend that landlords take these steps even before they market, list, and show their Colorado Springs rental properties. So, you may have done this already. It doesn’t hurt to make another full inspection before you hand over the keys. Such attention is likely to 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, schedule your vendors and contractors as soon as possible, and definitely before the tenant’s move-in date.
Move-In Process: Cleaning Checklist
With work being done between tenants, there may be some dust, debris, and overgrown landscaping at the home. All of this needs to be cleaned professionally before your tenants move in. Not only do tenants want to move into a clean property, you also want to demonstrate your own standards of cleanliness. You’re showing your tenants what kind of condition you expect the property to be in when they return it to you at the end of the lease term. A move-in condition checklist will help you confirm that floors, sinks, tubs, and toilets have been scrubbed and cleaned.
Signing the Move-In Condition Checklist with Tenants
The most important reason to use a move-in checklist is that this will allow you to document the condition of your property. This is essential, because you’ll use the same checklist to compare how the property looks at the end of the lease term.
Take excellent pictures and even videos. Write up descriptions and make notes. Share the checklist with your tenants when they move in. You’ll want to provide your tenants with the opportunity to make any of their own observations on the condition of the property at move-in. Keep this in your records and refer to it when you’re inspecting the property at move-out.
A move-in checklist protects you and it protects your property. It also protects your residents from being held responsible for any damage that isn’t their fault. They will have the opportunity to point this out before the lease begins.
Our professional services include move-in condition reports and checklists. We’d love to tell you more about how we can help. Please contact us at Muldoon Associates. We’re here to provide the best in Pueblo property management and service to the surrounding areas in Pueblo County and El Paso County.
