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?
That is where the move-in report comes into play. Having a detailed move-in report will save you in the long run. You will have written documentation to hold the tenant accountable to.
When performing the move-in report, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to be accurate and methodical in your records. This will save you headaches in the long run.
Starting your move in on one side of the house only to move to the other, and then back to where you started; leaves a lot of room for something to get over looked. This is why creating a consistent pattern is extremely desirable. Details are important; the more the better. Marking an entire bedroom as okay creates a lot of ambiguous wiggle room come move out.
Look at everything. How are the walls? Document any nails holes; are there a lot of holes or just a few? Are they concreted in one area or is throughout the living room? Do the walls need to be painted or is it brand new paint?
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?
Continue on whatever course you have set for yourself. Make sure to check any storage areas, bedrooms, office, bonus rooms, etc. Flush toilets, turn on showers and baths. Check for leaks, look for any sign of previous water damage. Turn lights off and on, open closets, pull out drawers. Check everything.
The exterior of the home often gets over looked but it is imperative that the exterior condition gets acknowledged. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; as such, it is a tool that a savvy landlord would be wise to implement; during all move- in and move out reports.
When you have completed the move-in report; have your tenant look it over and check the information, make sure they sign and date it. Provide them a copy of the report and allow them a defined set of days to come back with anything that may have been missed. A hole in the wall reported two months later is not acceptable.
Thorough and well documented move-in reports are a necessary evil as a landlord, but it is one that benefits both you and your tenant. Your tenant will be protected from incurring any costs from damage that was present at the time of their move-in; and you will have documented proof of any new damage to your rental property.
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