The process of moving in and out of a rental property can be challenging for both tenants and landlords, but it doesn’t have to be. As Gardena property managers, we have some systems in place that allow for both the move-in and the move-out to be automated, efficient, and easy.
You know that you need a solid move-in process so that you start the tenancy off on the right foot with your residents. You know that the move-out process is just as important so you can quickly make repairs and renovations in order to get the property ready for your next tenant.
Here are some tips on how you can streamline the processes and ensure the entire system of choosing a move-in date, signing the lease, conducting the inspection, and welcoming tenants into their new home is a breeze. We’ll also talk about the move-out, when you and your tenant need to be on the same page in terms of what’s expected before the keys are turned in and the security deposit is returned.
Let’s take a look at what we recommend.
Move-In To-Do List for Gardena Rentals
During the move-in process, you’ll have an opportunity to establish the cooperative and positive relationship that you want with your new tenants. Having a strong move-in process in place is fundamental to providing clear expectations for both parties to ensure that everyone involved has peace of mind and direction when renting out property.
From properly collecting the security deposit and move-in funds to doing thorough walk-throughs before move-in day, you want to get off to a great start. Here are your move-in checklist items that will help with streamlining the process.
- Review and Discuss Your Gardena Lease Agreement
Go over the terms of the lease with your tenant. Be available to answer any questions they might have about their responsibilities or your expectations. While you’re discussing the lease, make sure to explain the rent collection policies and the consequences of not paying on time. You’ll also want to discuss what they are expected to do in terms of keeping the property clean and well-maintained. Discuss who is responsible for utilities, pest control, and landscaping. Make sure they know how to report maintenance and what constitutes an emergency.
- Collect Security Deposits and Other Move-In Funds
Accept your tenant’s payment of the security deposit and first month’s rent before they move into your property. If they’re moving in with pets, collect the pet fee. If there are any other move-in costs that need to be accounted for, make sure they are paid before keys are handed over. You might want to take this payment electronically so you can be sure the funds clear right away. If they pay by check, make sure there are enough days for the check to clear before they move in.
- Inspect the Property
Before your tenant moves in, conduct a complete inspection of the property. This will allow you to make sure there aren’t any last-minute repairs that are needed. You’ll want to turn on all the faucets and check for leaks under sinks. Test each outlet. Run the appliances and turn on the heat and the air conditioning. Have the home professionally cleaned and document the condition of the home with a detailed inspection report and photos of everything.
- Create a Move-In Condition Report
Consider walking through the property with your tenant so you can show them how things work. The move-in will be less stressful when they know how to set the thermostat and where the trash is to be taken out. Document the condition of your property before your tenants take possession. Leave this inspection report with your tenants for two or three days after they move in. They’ll have the opportunity to add anything or leave any comments of their own. This protects both of you when it’s time to conduct the move-out inspection, and you’re comparing property condition then to now.
Move-Out To-Do List for Gardena Rentals
The move-out process is actually not terribly dissimilar to the move-in process. Whether it’s the end of a one-year lease or a long-term residency, you want to work well with your tenants as they prepare to leave. End the tenancy on a positive note with your relationship intact. These to-do list items will help.
- Share Move-Out Expectations
Your lease agreement likely informs tenants of how much notice they must provide before moving out. So, once you get your tenant’s written notice that they’re leaving, send them a letter that lists the things they’ll need to do before departing. This might mean having the property cleaned professionally or the carpets steam-cleaned. Refer to the lease agreement and send the language that backs up what you’re requesting. Explain how they should return the keys and what they’ll need to do to get the security deposit back. Make sure you get a forwarding address.
- Conduct all Necessary Inspections
California requires that you offer your tenants a pre-move-out inspection, so be sure to offer that within two weeks of your tenant’s move-out date. If they don’t want to take advantage of that inspection, fine. If they do agree to it, you’ll want to walk through the home with them and let them know where you might make security deposit deductions. After the tenant has moved out, you’ll conduct another inspection and you’ll compare the condition of the property at that time to the condition the home was in before the tenants took possession. Remember that normal wear and tear is to be expected, and you cannot hold the tenants accountable for it. Those small nail holes in the walls and scuff marks from furniture are normal.
- Return the Security Deposit
You cannot deduct normal wear and tear from the tenant’s security deposit. Damage, however, can be deducted. Consult your photos and documentation from the move-in inspection so you can be sure you’re looking at damage. Have the repairs made so you can collect invoices to share with your departing tenants.
You have to send the security deposit back to the tenant within 21 days of them moving out. If you’re making deductions, be sure that you have itemized what you’ve withheld and why.
Overall Tips for the Move-in and Move-Out Processes
Those checklists should help you create a more streamlined process. Here are some overall tips that we recommend during both the move-in and the move-out process and really the entire tenancy:
- Commit to Clear Communication
Clear communication is crucial in all aspects of Gardena property management, including move-ins and move-outs. Property managers establish clear expectations for tenants through detailed rental agreements and ongoing communication around the process of moving into and out of the home. WE can also provide tenants with their own move-in and move-out checklists, explaining each step to ensure harmony throughout the process. This approach ensures that tenants receive information about the steps they need to take and what is expected of them during the process.
- Provide a Near-Perfect Property at Move-In
You need to begin from a strong starting point, and that means a home that’s in excellent condition, clean, and well-maintained. A pre-move-in inspection is carried out before tenants enter the rental property to check for any damage or inconsistencies. We suggest that you carefully walk through the rental unit, establish any repairs that are needed, and ensure that everything is in perfect condition before handing over the keys to your new tenants. This detailed inspection ensures everything is in top condition on move-in day and helps to avoid future conflicts between tenants and landlords.
- Maintain a Fast Turnover Time
Time is of the essence during the move-out and turnover process. Your goal is to get your property back on the rental market and earn income again as quickly as possible. If you don’t have the time or the resources to focus on this, make sure you’re working with a Gardena property management company. Property managers ensure that the move-out process is completed in a timely manner. We have preferred vendors, contractors, and service providers who are ready to come in and make repairs and upgrades quickly. An efficient turnover process means you don’t have to deal with a long vacancy period, and you can get the rental property up to par for the next tenant. The main objective is to have the property rented within the shortest time possible to minimize lost rent.
Gardena property managers play a critical role in streamlining the rental property move-in and move-out process. Hopefully, this information allows you to follow all the steps that are necessary to ensure that the beginning and end of every lease period go smoothly.
We are here to help you have an easier, more profitable investment experience, whether you’re renting out one property or an entire portfolio. If the move-in and the move-out processes seem like a lot to manage, don’t hesitate to contact us at Real Property Management Choice. We’re happy to serve as your Gardena property management resource.
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