Landlord Quick Tip
Quick Tip #4: Move ‘Em In, Move ‘Em Out
When a new tenant moves in, you must have them sign and date a move-in inspection report. (And, you know you should take pictures, right?)
But it’s also a good idea to give your new tenant a few days (3-7) to amend the move-in checklist once they’ve settled in.
- This will encourage the tenant to notify you immediately in there is a repair that needs to be made, and that will save you in the long run.
- It will provide stronger evidence later if you do have to deduct an item from the security deposit.
- It’s easier to resolve questions over these items early on rather than have the tenant dispute your security deposit deductions in court.
Give them a copy (not the original!) of your move-in form so they can make notes and return it to you if they find anything else wrong with the unit. Encourage them to take photos of the defect – that saves you the hassle, but make sure you take a look at the actual damage.
Don’t have the right forms? Here’s a sample Move In/Move Out form, or if your prefer, a sample Move In/Move Out Checklist.
See last week’s Quick Tip.
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American Apartment Owners Association offers discounts for landlords on products and services related to your rental investment, including real estate forms, tenant debt collection, tenant background checks, insurance and financing. Find out more at www.joinaaoa.org.
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