Once you have the signed rental for your new renter, you have until the start of the rental to get the property in order. Steps, like performing maintenance or testing appliances, can help protect your investment. A move-in checklist can help arrange the procedure. The things you need to do will vary depending upon the installation of your clientele and your property management company.
Property Cleanup
Your new tenants will expect to move into a fresh space. The quantity of cleaning you need to do depends on the condition left from the last tenants. If they took good care of the place, you might just need to have the property professionally cleaned. If the tenants smoked indoors, you will have to take steps to make sure the rental fits current state legislation. In 2006, the California Air Resources Board recorded second-hand smoke as a toxic air contaminant, according to the San Francisco Apartment Association. As a landlord, you might have to replace carpeting and paint the walls to get rid of any traces of second-hand smoke. Don’t forget to cleanup the exterior the property, which can include mowing the grass or trimming hedges.
Locks
In 2007, the City and County of San Francisco passed the McGoldrick Rekeying Legislation. The legislation requires landlords to change at least one lock on outside doors before a new tenant takes possession. If you don’t stick to the legislation, you might be liable if a previous tenant robs or harms a present renter.
Property Assessment
Prior to your tenants move in, you should run a home evaluation. Note any difficulties with the property. The Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership recommends assessing each area, or region. Check the states of the flooring, walls, window coverings, cabinets, appliances, lighting fixtures and doors. Your tenants should also fill out an evaluation at the start of their rental. Discuss discrepancies in the tests as soon as possible. Determine a deadline for repairs when the tenant will move in before you completing them.
Exterminate
Extermination ahead of your new tenant moves can help safeguard your investment from pests like ants or termites. Your place may have a problem with pests like rodents or cockroaches. The compounds used to kill pests could be toxic to humans and pets, according to SF Environment. Caring for extermination before the tenant moves in reduces the dangers involved.
Extras
Should you work with an organization like Housing Quality Standards, which functions with Section 8 housing, you will have a check-list to complete before the organization’s inspection of your property. So as to perform the inspection, HQS will require the utilities to be working. Be certain the hot and cold water works on all sinks, assess and fix any blocked drains and also make sure the heater works. Some organizations will require repairs to chipped or cracked surfaces, such as countertops and floors.