Welcoming a new tenant to your community can be one of the most fun experiences you'll have as a property manager. You get to show off all that you've worked hard to help build and make a person or family comfortable in their new home. Unfortunately, this exciting time can also be a stressful one for both new tenants and property managers. Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management recommends property managers follow these best practices to ensure the smoothest possible onboarding process.
Work from a new tenant checklist
There's nothing like a handy checklist to ensure you're accomplishing everything you need to do to get a new tenant moved in to your property. A simple list of bullet points with details on what you need to take care of before move-in day can help you streamline an otherwise stressful experience. So what goes on your checklist? That depends greatly on the amount of screening you opt into, how many steps are involved in the move-in process and how in-depth your lease may be. Be sure to include any prep work you might need to take care of in the unit before move in day.
Make repairs
Even when the previous tenant leaves a unit sparkling clean and as good as the day they moved in, chances are good that they overlooked something minor. The worst way to begin a relationship with a new tenant, though, is to move them in somewhere less than stellar. Before handing over the keys, do a thorough walk through of the apartment. Look for an hint of a problem and address it immediately. While many property managers include this kind of inspection in their move-out procedures, fewer go through as thorough a process when moving a new tenant in.
Go through the lease with the tenant
Ideally, you and your tenants will always see eye to eye about their time living in your unit. Realistically, even the most laid back tenants will try to push your rules in one way or another. Even if they put up a fight, they won't have a leg to stand on if your policies are clearly spelled out in your lease.
- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management
