What you NEED to do, BEFORE your tenant moves in!
Chris Hogan, 1st March 2018, Landlords
With new tenants lined up and chomping ready to collect their keys it's time to make sure everything's ready. Having everything go smoothly at the beginning sets the tone for the rest of the tenancy.
Double check rent and deposit
If you haven't already collected the rent and deposit then it's time to do so now. It's most important to record the fact that you've taken them in your system - whether it's a spreadsheet, physical ledger or one of the many landlord apps available.
Increasingly direct transfers using apps or online banking are used, but don't expect them to work instantly. They often do, but sometimes there can be delays depending on the relationship between the tenant's bank and yours. They can be held up while checks are made, so resist the temptation to leave it till the last minute - make sure the transfer is made at least 24 hours beforehand just in case.
Cheques are becoming rare but there's no reason not to accept them unless there isn't enough time for them to clear before the handover.
Check the property before handover
Assuming the inventory's already been done, it's wise to do a final check on the property, particularly if the inventory was done a while back.
Take meter readings, check all the appliances work and that there are instruction guides for them. Check cupboards and drawers to make sure they're empty and that they open and close properly, with no loose hinges or handles.
If you're letting furnished or part-furnished, make sure everything that's on the inventory is still there.
Make sure you know how many sets of keys you have, how many are going to the tenants and how many you are keeping. Take photos of those as well and put them in the inventory.
Safety checks
You are responsible for the safety of electrical sockets, light fittings and any electrical appliances you supply so those need to be checked by a qualified electrician.
If there's gas in the property, arrange a check with a Gas Safe registered engineer, unless you already have one that's still in force - it needs to done annually. Leave the test results in the property with the instruction manuals.
Safety devices must be checked to make sure they're still there and functioning - smoke detectors must be on each storey. Depending on the type of property and heating you have, this might also include carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
Clean and sparkling
Finally, the cleaner the property is when tenants move in, the more likely they are to keep it that way. So book cleaners to do it - and don't forget having the windows cleaned too.
This makes it easier to argue about any dirt when they move out. Assuming you already have an inventory with photographs, it's not a bad idea to make a quick video of each room with your phone. Put all the lights on and just sweep the camera slowly around each room, not forgetting the ceiling. No tenant can argue with evidence like that!
Don't forget to download our FREE moving out checklist to give to your tenants at the end of their tenancy.
