If a resident is going to complain about a rental experience, it’s usually due to miscommunication or unclear expectations during the move-in and move-out process. These are confusing periods and they’re extra stressful for residents, who are focused on settling into a new home.
Resident turnover can be difficult for property owners as well, and today we want to help you have a better experience when your Residents are moving in and moving out.
Property Move In and Move Out Inspections
A move-in inspection checklist is critical.
Conduct a thorough inspection of the property before your residents move into it. You want to make sure everything is functional and clean. Run all the faucets and flush all the toilets. Check the appliances and the electrical outlets to be sure they’re working. Run the heat and the air conditioning, and check under sinks and tubs for leaks or drips. If there’s anything that needs a repair or a replacement, make sure you take care of it before the move-in date.
You also need to have the property thoroughly cleaned. Hire professionals who can pay attention to details. You want the ceiling fans dusted and the baseboards polished. Tubs and tiles should sparkle.
Once all of this is done, take pictures of every room in the home. This is the best way to document the condition of your property so you know how it looks when the residents move in. This inspection report will be invaluable at the end of the tenancy, when the residents are moving out and you’re inspecting for any damage that was done during the course of the lease.
Sacramento landlords are required to offer their residents an initial move-out inspection before they vacate. Not all residents are going to accept this offer, but you have to make it. If they do want to conduct a walk-through with you, inspect the home the same way you would if the property was empty. Point out any of the things that are needed to be fixed or replaced in order to ensure the full security deposit is returned.
This can put your resident’s mind at ease as they prepare to leave their home. After they leave, you can conduct your own inspection and make the appropriate decisions about the security deposit.
Creating Positive Resident Relationships
The move-in process is an excellent opportunity to establish a positive and respectful relationship with your new resident. At Sacramento Delta Property Management, we create relationships with our residents that inspire full cooperation and positive transitions during the move-in and move-out periods.
As we are handing over the keys and discussing all the things that the residents need to know about the property, we also talk about our expectations. Our residents always understand their responsibilities and the requirements of the lease agreement. We let them know that rent must be paid on time, we discuss how to report maintenance issues, and we talk about our expectation that the property is returned to us in good, clean condition.
Effective Resident Communication
