When is the Landlord supposed to turn in the keys to the Tenant?

Question

My Tenant’s move-in date is Monday 16th of August. I’m asking him the time he’ll be coming to pick up the keys and he says that he can come pick them up Saturday and do the inspection right away.
Should I do this Saturday? or wait until Monday?

Scott M. · Answer

I am sure there are no hard and fast rules and you will get a variety of answers but we turn keys over when we sign the lease and do the final walkthrough and that is the day of move in and the start of the lease.  if they want keys early, then we start the lease early.

Matthew Irish-Jones · Answer

@Ramon E Alvarez we turn the keys over at Move in, we do not negotiate.  Having a tenant in early creates a liability issue.

Quentin West · Answer

I'm with @Adam Martin. It is our company policy to allow for access up to 24 hours (with owner approval) in advance of the lease start date. This tends to create substantial goodwill with tenants at little/no cost to the owner. We use a lockbox and provide access information at the 24 hour mark. We also conduct our own walkthrough prior to the tenant taking possession and then ask the tenants to conduct their own video walkthrough once they've taken possession. Both of these policies were implemented due to Covid, but they have been pretty successful, especially with weekend move-ins. We just let the tenants know that the office is closed on Sunday and if they have any access issues they will have to deal with them on their own until we reopen.

John Underwood · Answer

I would wait till Monday when the lease starts and not mess up your weekend.

Max T. · Answer

Utilize a lock box.

And never give the key/combo until lease has been signed and all move-in funds have cleared. And proof of utilities in their name.￼￼

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

They get the keys when the lease starts - period. I would leave the the utilities on for the first day if their occupancy (Monday)

Adam Martin · Answer

I’m in the minority here but I would probably do it if you are available on Saturday.  Sure it would be nice to collect a few bucks but this is a way to create goodwill with the tenants at really no cost to you.  I usually try to get people in on the weekend so I don’t have to plan around work and if they get a couple free days good for them but I am less inconvenienced and they get a bit ore time to move in.  I also expect the utilities in their name when they get the keys so it saves me a bit on utilities.  I had to learn to set boundaries I did have one tenant early on that managed to move move in a couple weeks early and I had to rush to get done and didn’t collect anything extra so I’m not that accommodating anymore but a few days is nothing to worry about.

Edit I just re-read this but it doesn’t appear you have collected money yet.  I don’t sign the lease until I have first month and deposit in whole and until I do you are just an applicant and I am still screening.  Do you at least have a deposit to hold that turns into the security deposit when they move in.  My previous paragraph still stands but the up front money is a big part of my screening.  They know they are moving and will need it and if they weren’t able to save for their known costs they also won’t save for emergencies as are a bigger risk.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I have to disagree with Adam and Quentin. I create good will by operating a fair and honest business. After the tenant has proven themselves, then I may throw them some additional benefits. I don't give things away before knowing what kind of renter they will be. That said, the great thing about America is that we are free to run our businesses any manner that works best for us.

As for utilities, I do not turn over keys until a tenant has paid every amount owed. If they pay with a personal check, I don't do anything until that check is cleared. Typically they are paying with direct deposit or money order. I also require all paperwork be signed by all parties, and they must show evidence that the utilities have been established in their name no later than the start date of the lease.

The last thing you want to do is start a lease by having to chase people down for something that is unfinished.

Bill B. · Answer

You can’t give them keys until their lease starts. And you do the walk through when you give them the keys. Lease starts Monday you get keys Monday. You want to start lease Saturday I’ll have someone meet you at the property and walk it for move-in inspection. Ps. You also need to have the utilities in your name in lease start date so make sure they’re open and you have proof you switched em.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Make sure they have that set up before you hand the keys over.  Call and have them changed out of your name for the 16th.

When is the Landlord supposed to turn in the keys to the Tenant?

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