The move in is a crucial time for getting your lease off on the right foot, here are some tips on how to do just that!
First things first -- you should not give your tenants access to your property before the lease start date! This can open you up to liability issues, squatters, etc. Just don't do it. If you want to change your lease start date, we can help. Just reach out to our support team by going to the "Help" section of your portal.
Before the move in date
Conduct a Walkthrough Alone
Before the move-in date, Nomad recommends that you conduct a walkthrough of your property, without the residents, to document the condition. Take notes, take pictures, and review each and every room. This will give you documentation to fall back on in the case of a dispute following the resident's move out. Nomad recommends you do this within 72 hours of the move-in date.
Make simple repairs, schedule complex repairs
While you are doing your walkthrough, make any simple repairs that you can, and document these. If there are more complex repairs that will require a professional, try to get that scheduled as soon as possible. If you are noticing these things during your walkthrough, your tenants will notice them after move-in and will ask you to fix them. Save everyone time and hassle by getting ahead of these things.
Move In Day
On move-in day, you have a few options to give your tenants access to the property:
1. Meet them at the unit and give them the keys directly. Some tenants and owners like this option because they get to form a relationship and review the property together.
2. Give them access to a lockbox with keys in it. Some folks are too busy to meet in person on move-in day. If this is you (or your tenants) give them the code to a lockbox at the property where they can let themselves in on their own schedule.
After Move In
On move-in day, Nomad will send the residents a form to complete their own walkthrough of the property. You do not need to be present for this. Residents have 7 days to complete and document the condition of the property. This walkthrough is for the resident's benefit, as it can help them in case of a dispute about property condition at the end of the lease. It is, however, not required. If residents choose not to document the property, they may leave themselves open to repairs or lost security deposit funds at the end of the lease.