Conducting inspections at the time a tenant moves in and again when that tenant moves out helps you to compare the condition of the property before and after the tenancy. Today, we’re talking about the things you should do when you’re preparing a rental home for your tenant, and the things you need to do when a tenant moves out. Documentation is essential in each situation, so make sure you are prepared to make notes, take pictures and even create videos.

Move In Process

Before a tenant moves into your property, you need to make sure it’s safe, functional and ready to be occupied. Have it professionally cleaned and do a complete inspection to ensure everything is working. Check all the appliances and lights, and make sure there aren’t any damages or problems. You will need to fix anything that isn’t working before your tenant moves in. No one wants to begin living in a property that isn’t ready. Take detailed pictures of every room during the inspection. Check out the exterior of the property as well. You want to provide a home that’s in excellent condition, and you want to be able to prove that the property was in excellent condition when you handed over the keys.

Conduct a walk through with the tenants before they move in. Discuss any questions or problems, and have the tenants sign the inspection report when you complete it. It’s important that you agree on the condition of the property.

Move Out Process

The inspection process should look the same when a tenant moves out and turns in the keys. Make sure your tenant knows what you expect at the end of a lease term. Put those requirements in writing, so your tenants understand what has to be done in order to get the security deposit returned. Once the house is empty, you can go through it again and take pictures, notes and videos. Compare that inspection report to the move in report. With this documentation, you’ll be able to determine whether any damage to the property occurred during the tenancy.

Maintaining thorough records and detailed inspection reports will prepare and protect you during the move in and move out process. When you have all the documentation you need and you make communicating with your tenants a priority, the process will go smoothly at the beginning and end of the tenancy.

If you have any questions, or you’d like more information, please contact us at PRS Property Management, and we’d be happy to help you.