Every property manager knows that the turnover period between tenants can be tricky. When outgoing tenants leave, there are a lot of things to do before the next tenant moves in. To make sure that you’re covering all your bases and taking care of everything you need to, here are five key tasks you should do when transitioning between tenants:
1. Change The Locks
While it is standard practice to collect the keys from the outgoing tenant, you can never be certain how many copies had been made in the duration of their lease, or who else may have them. The safety and security of your new tenant is paramount, so changing the locks for each tenancy is a must. This way, only authorized people will have access to the property, and once again this gives peace of mind to both yourself as well as your tenant.
2. Clean The Property
Make sure that the property is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before the new tenant moves in. Cleaning all surfaces and carpets, as well as any areas that may have been neglected by the previous tenant is essential for a fresh start for your new one. A thorough cleaning may also help detect any repairs that need to be done.
3. Inspect The Property
As part of your management duties, it’s important to inspect the property both before and after the tenancy period. A detailed inspection of the property after a tenant moves out also helps you determine how much of the deposit to return. You can check on the property’s condition and make sure there are no major issues that need addressing before you hand over the keys to your new tenant.
4. Make Necessary Repairs
If you find any damage caused by the outgoing tenant or wear-and-tear from normal use, take action right away to fix them up. While this may delay moving in a new tenant, it is imperative to address all repairs beforehand, so they do not become bigger issues down the line. This means that you can provide a safe and comfortable environment for your new tenant as well as keeps your investment maintained.
5. Collect All Records
Make sure to collect any documents or paperwork left behind by the previous tenant, such as their rental agreement, deposit forms and other important notes. You should also update your records in order to keep track of when each tenancy period began and ended. This way, should any issues arise after a new tenant moves in, such as damage unnoticed during your inspection or unseen issues such as appliance or plumbing, you can address it accordingly.
By completing these five tasks before the start of each new tenancy period, you’ll be ensuring the smooth transition between tenants and making sure everything is taken care of properly. So take the time to review your checklist before each turnover, so that both yourself and your tenants can enjoy a hassle-free experience!