Security Deposit and handing over the keys

[Bob Drew]

Hi all,

I am a newbie landlord that needs some help. A young couple screened successfully and I am interested in moving forward with the process with them. They'll only be able to move in on March 24. My questions:

1. Should I take the security deposit from them or closer to the moving date?

2. When should I do a walk through of the house and handover the keys?

3. How do I calculate the rent between March 24 and April 1? Will that rent be due on March 24 or should I collect that rent now?

4. The HOA requires them to buy renters insurance. Do I wait for all that paperwork to be done only after I give them the keys?

Thanks