As an investment property owner, you should make sure that you are able to interact with your tenant positively. A move-in walkthrough is one of the best times for you to be able to do just that. The move-in walkthrough offers you and your tenant many benefits. Let’s look at these benefits for property owners and a few best practices for making the most of your move-in walkthrough.
Rethinking the Move-In Walkthrough
Too often, the move-in walkthrough is viewed as more of a tenant’s responsibility than something a landlord does. In thinking this way, though, you may be robbing yourself of the many benefits that come with move-in walkthroughs. There should be a walkthrough at both move-in and move-out. The move-in walkthrough allows both landlord and tenant the opportunity to walk around the property with the intention of looking for potential issues that need to be addressed before the tenant moves in.
There’s a good reason why Brewer property managers should take a move-in walkthrough seriously. Here are a few reasons why that is the case.
- It allows you and your tenant to reach a mutual understanding in trust. Walking through a property with your tenant gives the impression that you are a responsible landlord who oversees his investment with care; and, that you are open to your tenant’s feedback, too. When a tenant can be assured that they will interact positively with their landlord, bringing up smaller issues will be easier. When this is done, reduced repair costs will eventually follow. While you’re at it, you can even run through the “house rules” with your tenant again. These small interactions between you and your tenant can be what strengthens your relationship with them.
- It helps you get the deposit deduction right at the end of the lease. Make the move-out time go by smoothly by taking good documentation of your property’s condition before your tenant moves in. This can help you better gauge wear and tear and other repair issues and provide ample evidence to support any deductions you make from your tenant’s security deposit.
Walkthrough Best Practices
To make good use of all that a move-in walkthrough offers, make sure to follow best practices. For instance:
- Schedule a walkthrough with your tenant. Organize a set time for you and your new tenant to complete a move-in walkthrough. This is a great time to have face-to-face interaction, making way for transparency and positive exchanges.
- Use a checklist. It’s important that you give your tenant a move-in checklist, and that you look at it together. Make sure that your tenant receives a hard copy of this checklist. This is a good demonstration of your willingness to be open and transparent with your tenant by setting the expectations clearly.
- Take photos. Any issues should be documented through pictures so that they can be properly recorded and addressed. Pictures are a good way to schedule repairs and as a reference for comparison during the eventual move-out walkthrough.
Move-in walkthroughs may take time, but they are essential. If your rental property isn’t anywhere near your residence, then this will mean more time allocated for the process. You will benefit from someone who can handle all of what is needed to maximize these processes. At Real Property Management Acadia, we provide a full range of services that help rental property owners make the most of their investments. Call 207-561-7482 today to learn more!
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