As a landlord and letting agent it is crucial to have processes in place to ensure you not only provide a consistently good service, but that all the legal stuff is taken care of. The move-in process I created can be a pretty mundane hour or so of paperwork checking, contract signing and multiple page initialling! But, it’s crucially important that all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed to ensure the tenancy gets off to the right start. Done properly, it will also mean a tenant is fully-equipped to enjoy their new home, whilst keeping it in good order for the landlord.
Here at CRJ Lettings we use a ‘move-in checklist’ to ensure nothing is missed; starting with the paperwork. The tenants sign the tenancy agreement (sent to them in advance so they can read it first), along with the security deposit certificate and prescribed information forms.
The tenants are then shown where the water stop tap, gas safety valve, fuse box and mains isolator switches are and what to do in case of an emergency. Showing tenants these is both crucial for their safety, as well as helping to minimise any damage to the property (for instance, in the case of a water leak). Meter readings are taken too and the tenants are shown any communal areas of the property, along with how the heating system and kitchen appliances work.
Just in case the tenants forget any of this important information though, they are provided with a house manual (prepared for our fully managed properties). This lists the location and operation of all the above, as well as setting out other general tips about good home management, along with all the contact details they’ll need throughout the tenancy. It also contains the property’s safety certificates and EPC, as well as the governments ‘How to Rent’ guide, as legally required (all of which are e-mailed to the tenants prior to the commencement of the tenancy).
The last bit of paperwork to go through is the inventory, which outlines the condition of the property and forms the basis of how it should be returned at the end of their tenancy. Fortunately, the tenants are given seven days to look through this beast of a document (typically 50+ pages) to report any errors or omissions.
Finally, the keys are distributed to the tenants and any other questions can be answered. It’s also a good opportunity to explain when they’ll next be contacted in regards to the receipt of rent and future check-ups.
The completed ‘move-in checklist’ also provides proof that all the legal requirements have been completed (including showing the tenants a working smoke alarm on each floor of the property and a carbon monoxide alarm, if required).
A thorough move-in process creates a good start to the relationship and helps to ensure the landlord is legally compliant, whilst the tenants are aware of everything they need to know about the property and tenancy.
If you’d like a free copy of my ‘move-in checklist’ please contact me and I’ll be happy to send it to you via e-mail.
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