Tenant Expectations Upon Arrival

[Ryan Nelson]

Just had my first tenant move into my first rental property.  They moved from out of state without seeing the property in person first.  I gave them a video tour.  They are not satisfied with the paint on the baseboards (because we advertised new interior paint since we had the walls painted), the fact there were not lines in the carpet from recently having it cleaned, and concern that the bathrooms and the refrigerator were not completely spotless.  They actually said they spent a night in a hotel last night because they couldn't shower in the dirty bathroom. I would disagree with their assessment.  The home is in far better condition than our own home.  

They did have a couple of concerns that are reasonable (washer was not draining properly and the shower head was loose).  I do need to address those issues.

How do you manage tenants expectations of moving in?  What would you do to help resolve the difference of opinions on what "move in ready" means?  

[Jon Holdman]

I would NEVER rent to someone without them viewing and accepting the property.  Frankly I'm amazed you actually have a tenant at all.  This is usually a scam.  "Hi, I'm a doctor from the UK moving to the US with my daughter.  My company will send you a check for the deposit and first months rent.  Oh no!  They also sent you my moving money and I need it right away.  Please wire me the excess ASAP."  A week later your bank backs out the forged check.   You're out the money you wired.

I agree with the others.  If they're dissatisfied with the place offer to let them out after one month, with a full return of their deposit provided they leave it in good condition.  Otherwise the place is in the condition its in when they move it.  The fact they didn't take time to look in person is their problem.