Usage Addendum for Residential Leases?

[Elizabeth Starr]

Good Evening BP Community!

I’m hoping you might be able to provide some insight on an “addendum” to a residential lease agreement that I’m not familiar with.

I’m an (almost) first time landlord who has selected prospective tenants for my home. These tenants are being represented by an agent, and the agent has suggested that instead of a 10/1 lease start date (with a pro-rated 10/15 move in date) as we initially discussed, we update the lease prior to signing to commence on 11/1, with a move in date of 10/21...prior to lease commencement. The agent is suggesting adding a “usage addendum” to cover the period from move-in until the start of the lease, which I’m not comfortable with.

I haven’t been able to find anything online that refers to a usage agreement/addendum for residential leases. The agent has recommended this to allow the tenants to move in “boxes etc.” without actually moving into the home. I have instead suggested a lease start date of 10/21 to align with the proposed move-in date, and even a $0 pro-rate for that period of time. I have a number of provisions in the lease that require actions from lease start or move-in (renters insurance, etc), and require utilities to be turned on prior to move-in inspection and key exchange. 

What am I missing here? Does anyone in this community have any experience with or knowledge of “usage addendums” for residential leases?

Thank you in advance! - Beth