Tenant Moving Out End of March

[Joe Conklin]

My tenant will be moving out end of this month and want to make sure that I'm setting expectations with them about leaving the unit clean etc. 

What are the important things to mention to them to try and have a smooth transition?

[Marcia Maynard]

Move Out Instructions and a Charge Check List are important. There are many examples that you may look at by googling the topic. You can create your own.  Here is one of my favorite examples:

http://www.middelrentals.com/forms/TENANT-MOVE-OUT...

Also, I bring with me a few items: camera, tape measure, flashlight, disinfectant cleaning wipes, notepad and pen.

I prefer tenants to be present for the move-out if at all possible, as it reduces the chance of misunderstandings and also gives me an opportunity to gather information that will be helpful to me for the transition. 

Before we begin, I thank the tenant for their years of tenancy. I ask them if there are any known damages. If there are, we take a look at them together, I photograph the damage and make a note of it. Then I ask the tenant if there are any maintenance items that need attention and make a note of them.

I inspect each room in a clockwise manner. I note chargeable items as well as normal maintenance items that I need to complete for the make-ready.

I ask the outgoing tenant if they have notified the post office of their new address, as well as any subscription services and vendors who regularly send mail.

I ask the outgoing tenant if they have notified the utility companies of the date of their last day of tenancy. If they haven't, we make the phone call together right then.

At the end, I have them sign a Return of Possession form, on which the tenant can write their contact details, such as a forwarding address and phone number. The form also explains how the security deposit will be handled.

I then ask them "What did you like best about living here?" and "What was most challenging for you?" Then I really listen, as this information will help me improve our business and landlording skills.

Finally, I wish them well in their new home and thank them for taking the time to do the walk-through together. If they were good tenants, I let them know if they need a letter of reference in the future, I'd be happy to write one for them and if they know anyone who is looking to rent a home, to feel free to pass along our contact information.