Why Move In/Out Checklists Save Money

Are you tired of getting stuck cleaning out rental units. Are you losing time, money and sleep hassling with security deposit disputes?

Even the best of tenants can lose it during those last stressful days before a move out. At some point, they put their emphasis on their new place, not the old unit.

Unfortunately, it’s the landlord who suffers the immediate consequences.

What’s worse, the landlord has to deduct the money needed to rehab the unit from the tenant’s security deposit. That becomes a drain on resources, especially if the tenant decides to take the case in front of a judge. If it goes to hearing, that may be some of the hardest money you’ll ever earn.

All this can be avoided with one simple landlord form: The Move In/Out Checklist.

A move-in/move-out checklist is the secret to keeping the tenant focused during a move, to maintaining harmony between landlords and tenants, and to getting your property back on time and in good condition.

This trusty tool will detail the condition the property was in before the tenant moved in, and again when they move out. The two parts of this rental form together create a clear picture if the tenant causes damage.

And speaking of pictures, it’s always a good idea to supplement the move in/out checklist with photos or video.

The move-in/out checklist sets the target the tenant must hit if they want to get their security deposit back. This landlord form lists each room in the property, helping to itemize any damage that appeared after the tenant moved in. The findings on the report, along with pictures or video, is very difficult to dispute. The fact that it exists may discourage a tenant from going to court over security deposit deductions.

Use the checklist at the initial walk thru when the tenant moves in. Most landlords provide a grace period of about a week to ten days after the move in for the new tenant to add any items that a they did not notice at orientation. Then, at move out, set up a walk through with the tenant as they vacate. Show them the checklist and have them initial next to any items of damage, and then sign the report.

If a tenant does dispute any security deposit deductions, thanks to this helpful landlord form, you will have the documentation you need to protect your profits.

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