Tenant Education

[Josh Autery]

I've heard @Joshua Dorkin and Brandon Turner mention in the podcast... and I've seen a couple forum posts talking about it... BUT I can't seem to find any good examples in the FilePlace.

Anybody willing to share (or help me find) their documents, presentation material, list of rules, etc. that goes into your tenant education??  I plan on using the TAR promulgated residential lease, but don't really have any additional rules/education material.

I will have purchased my first rental by the end of the month, and hope to have it rented soon after (after some repairs).  In preparation for this, I am trying to develop a 'tenant package'.  ANY input would be greatly appreciated!!

[Beth L.]

@Josh Autery 

 I provide my tenants with a "tenant handbook" at lease signing. It contains things that are necessary in my area, like lead paint inspection certificate and accompanying informational documents, informational brochures on fire safety, care of septic systems, bed bugs, etc. I also include a list of area companies that provide electric, trash service, cable, internet and other utilities, so all the numbers they need to set things up are in one place. The handbook also contains my contact info, a "Move Out Checklist" for what cleaning is expected of them before they move out, and they can keep a copy of the lease in there as well. I package it all up in a nice 3-ring binder and tell them that it has to stay in the unit at all times and must be left on the counter when they leave. I clip all of the appliance and thermostat manuals together and leave them with the book.

One thing I still want to do is make up a list of "House Rules", a list that clearly defines some of the main tenant requirements from the lease, but in a summarized, easy-to-read format.

(Side Tip) I print two copies of the lease, mark one "Original" and one "Copy" and have them sign and initial both sets. This way I can just leave the "Copy" with them.

If you would like to message me your email I can send you some of the things I have. Most I got from Google searches.