First, the Move-In Inspection, Then Hand Over the Keys to a New Tenant
There is a right way and a wrong way to handle tenant move-in/move-out inspections—and the wrong way can cost landlords lots of money. And who has extra money to lose in this economy?
So don’t make the classic landlord error of handing a new tenant the keys to your rental property, along with a move-in checklist to fill out. It’s up to you, the rental property owner, to ensure that the inspection is done correctly.
Here are some dos and don’ts on how to properly conduct a move-in inspection with a new tenant—before you hand them the keys!
1. Do conduct the move-in inspection with the new tenant. Don’t allow them to go through your rental property unaccompanied prior to moving in. And do have everyone present who is on the lease .
2. It’s not a bad idea to have your own witness, but don’t make it look as though you’re “ganging up” on your new tenant.
3. Do document the entire process with a camera and/or video, which can serve as your “extra witness.” And photos are a necessary part of the move-in inspection. Video is even better, since voices and comments can be recorded.
4. Do pay extra attention to areas that have problems, such as scratches in the floors or stains on the carpet. Bent window blinds, loose hinges, and dents in the walls should all be recorded.
5. Conversely, do pay extra attention to pristine areas of the rental unit for comparison when the tenant moves out. Spotless carpets, perfect hardwood and linoleum, and smooth walls should be pointed out.
6. Do have all tenants who signed the lease sign the inspection check list, and initial each page. You, the landlord, should do the same.
7. Don’t hand over the keys until you do all of the above and tell the tenant verbally and in writing that you expect them to take care of the rental unit.
8. Do make the consequences for damaging the rental property very clear in the lease and on the move-in inspection sheet.