Preparing Your Property
for Tenants
There's a common misconception that being a landlord is a piece of cake. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Apart from finding the right tenants, you have many other responsibilities. For example, you must prepare your property for rental and ensure you meet all the legal and functional obligations before moving in. This will help protect your property, yourself, and your tenants. Plus, it will help you build a great relationship with your tenants. So, here’s a guide to move-in day for landlords that will help you stay on top of things.
Things to take care of before the move-in day
The actual move-in day can be pretty hectic for you and your tenants. Therefore, you should take care of the critical tasks beforehand. This will ensure a smooth move-in day for both parties involved. Firstly, ensure everything is in working order and do any necessary home repairs and updates.
Secondly, you should procure any missing essentials from your rental and eliminate non-essentials. After all, you have to make room for the tenants' belongings. Moreover, some of them might even bring their furniture with them. Of course, this doesn't mean you should throw everything out because you'll need it after your tenants move out. Instead, the consultants from Centennial Moving recommend renting storage for your belongings.
Thirdly, before your tenants move in, you should ensure that your rental meets all the legal requirements, such as fire safety regulations. You might also be obligated to insure the property before renting it out. And even if you are not legally bound to do it, it's still a good idea. After all, you should protect your investment.
Tasks to complete on the move-in day for landlords
As previously mentioned, you should take care of the major tasks well in advance. However, there are some things that you should do on move-in day or right before. Therefore, having a guide to move-in day for landlords is a good idea.
Make sure the rental is clean
Of course, you should thoroughly clean your rental, check everything once more time, and have everything ready before move-in day. You can do it yourself or hire professionals to do it for you. Still, it would be best to double-check before your tenants arrive. Look for any sign of dirt and remove it. If the property is spotless, you will make an excellent first impression on your tenants.
Ensure your rental is clean prior to a tenants move-in
Greet your tenants
Don’t be late on move-in day. By being punctual when meeting with the tenants, you'll show them that you respect them and that you're a responsible person. Furthermore, be friendly and relaxed during your meeting. All of this is essential for building a good relationship with them.
Compile a property inventory
To avoid conflicts at the end of the lease, it’s best to compile a property inventory. This should include all the rental essentials. And while you can draw it up before move-in day, you should also go through it with your tenants. So, take them on a tour of the property and show them all the items on the list. And while you’re at it, you should also show them how everything works. This way, you’ll make sure they use all the items accordingly and might prevent future damage.
Take meter readings
Of course, you should inform your providers of your new tenants before move-in day. And you should also pay any outstanding utility bills beforehand. However, on move-in day, you should take a final meter reading together with your tenants. This will show them that you’re trustworthy and will strengthen your relationship.
Provide all the information
The lease agreement usually includes all the responsibilities of the tenants. However, you might want to consider providing a short list of the house rules to your tenants on move-in day. Apart from this, you should also provide them with other important information. This should include your contact information, bank details for rent payments, when and where to pay the utility bills, and so on. And if they will be in charge of repairs and maintenance, you should also provide contact details for quality professionals.
Provide your tenants with essential information
Offer your tenants a welcome package
Making your tenants feel welcome is another great way to build a good relationship. So, consider offering them a welcome package. You don’t have to spend a fortune because you're not trying to buy them off. Choose some practical things that they might need on move-in day. For example, you can buy a few bottles of water and small snacks, some toilet paper, and soap. It’s the gesture that counts.
Make your tenants feel welcome
Let them know how they can contact you
Communication is essential for a good landlord-tenant relationship. Therefore, you should let your tenants know how they can contact you. Of course, you should also set some ground rules. For example, you can ask them to call you only for emergencies and text you about other matters. And to make sure they understand, you can explain what classifies as an emergency. Furthermore, communication goes both ways. So, you should also ask for their communication preferences.
Don’t be a stranger
You'll have many responsibilities as a landlord even after your tenants move in. But maintaining a good landlord-tenant relationship will make things easier for you. So, nurture this relationship by responding to your tenants' requests and complaints. And contact them every once in a while to ask if they need anything. Of course, you don't have to become friends, but you should always be on good terms.
In Conclusion
Renting out a property is not easy. It involves a lot of work before, during, and after move-in day. And while it's best to take care of everything before your tenants move in, there are some things you must leave for the day of the move. However, things can get a bit hectic on that day. So, having a guide to move-in day for landlords is great because it ensures you don't miss anything.