Did you know tenants are required to leave the premises they rent, in as good as or better shape then when they moved in? But how do you know what shape it was when they moved in?
Having a thorough and well documented move-in report will counteract any questions on the condition of the home when the tenant moved it. The tenant will be held accountable for any discrepancies between the move-in and move out reports.
Don’t be too hasty when performing the move-in. A little time allotted for precise and meticulous documentation, will go a long way in the end.
Having an established route you take when performing move-ins or outs help prevent any oversights. Many landlords start with the first room they come to when entering the house. Often it will be an entryway or living room. Now is the time where details matter; marking the entire living room as okay is severely lacking details.
Whether or not you want to start at the ceiling and work your way down, is completely your prerogative. Try to ensure you keep whatever sequence works best for you throughout the home. Check for cracks, discolorations, holes, rips, tears, etc.
Once you are finished with one area continue on to another. Look at the blinds; are they clean? Do they work properly? Do the windows open and close as they should? Are the screen the right size and free from bends or holes? Is the carpet new or are there worn areas?
Now continue on this path throughout the house, make sure to check all the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining room or area. Don’t forget basements, garages, and utility or laundry rooms as well.
Taking pictures of the home is always a good idea, especially focus on areas of concern or new items through the house. Documenting the outside condition is vital as well. Check the exterior lighting and fences. Is the yard alive, recently mowed or raked?
Allow your tenant to review the move-in report; answer any questions they may have. Arrange for convenient times to make any repairs that may have arisen during the move-in. Have your new tenant sign and date the report with the understanding that this IS the move-in condition. Mail or give them a copy of the report, and allow them three to seven days to make notes of anything else they may find needs documentation.
Detailed move-in reports are essential to rental properties. You as the landlord and the tenant will benefit from such a report. Not only does it protect the tenant from incurring costs from damage that was present prior to their move-in; it also protects you the homeowner in the event that there is new damage after the tenant moves out.
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