What to Include in Your Move-in and Move-out Checklists

Checklists are great tools for organization and documentation. There are two periods in your lease term that are especially important; the move-in and the move-out. During these inspections of the property, you’ll need to document the condition of the property. You’ll need photos and maybe even videos. You’ll need notes and lists. A checklist is crucial. Not only does it keep you organized, it also demonstrates your process in case there are any questions or conflicts about security deposit returns. If you’re a landlord preparing to move your tenant in or out, include the following on your checklists.

Necessary Repairs and Replacements

Before your tenant moves in, do a thorough walk-through of your property to make sure everything is functional and ready for occupancy. You want to take a complete look around before you turn over the keys. Some of the things on your checklist might include:

Repairs that are needed before the move-in date. Maybe it’s painting or fixing a window screen or changing light bulbs.
Test every outlet.
Turn on every appliance.
Check for leaks and water beneath sinks and around tubs and toilets.
Test the doors and windows to be sure they open, close, and lock

These inspections will help you determine if any repairs are needed. You’ll create a property condition report. If there are any repairs that need to be made, get your vendors lined up before the move-in date. All work must be completed and checked off the list before your tenant takes possession of the home. Repairs will also be needed after a tenant has lived in the home. After they move out, you’ll also look for maintenance needs. Create a checklist that documents any damage or routine wear and tear that will require vendors or contractors.

Cleaning is a Checklist item

Another checklist item is cleaning. Tenants expect to move into a clean property. You also want to make sure you get a clean property returned to you at the end of the lease term. Use your move-in condition checklist to confirm that floors, sinks, tubs, and toilets are free of dirt, debris, and dust. Hire professional cleaners. Making this a checklist item is important because it establishes your standards. You’re showing tenants how you expect the property to look after they move out. During the move-out inspection, your checklist will demonstrate whether the tenants returned the property in a similarly clean condition.

Share Move-In and Move-Out Checklists with Tenants

Tenants should be provided your move-in checklist once they’ve settled into the property. They’ll have the opportunity to document any issues that they noticed. This will protect them at the end of the lease agreement and it will also notify you of any minor repairs that may need to be taken care of early. At the end of the lease term, send your tenants a checklist of items they’ll need to attend to before moving out. Remind them of the cleaning standards you expect them to meet. Provide instructions on how to return the keys and ask for a forwarding address for the security deposit. We know the move-in and move-out process can be challenging. If you’d like some support in the management of your Beaufort rental property, please contact us at Middleton Street Property Management. We help tenants move in and out of properties all the time, and we can share our best checklists with you.