Time to move out! Ways to make moving easier for you & your tenant

When a renter notifies their property manager that they are ready to move out, the property manager enters a flurry of to-do’s from facilitating an easy move-out to filling the approaching vacancy. While it is not required of a property manager to help prepare the tenant for their move, there are certain benefits to doing so.

The biggest benefit to preparing tenants for their move is reducing the amount of work that needs to be put into the property for a quick turnaround for the next renter. When renters don’t move out properly, they potentially leave items behind or leave the apartment in such bad condition that a cleaner must be called. While deducting from a security deposit is always an option (hey, that’s why we have them), these deductions create tensions. When you discuss move-out responsibilities with renters, you can remind them what needs to be done to pass move-out inspection and receive their full security deposit back.

So how can you prepare you tenants for move out? How do we facilitate an easy move for the tenant and less turnaround work for you as a landlord? Here are some tips for just that:

• -Assume that nothing is common sense! List absolutely everything that could affect a move-out inspection.
• -Prepare a move-out preparation package with a checklist of things to do to clear up confusion and ensure compliance with the lease terms.
• -Remind your renters that they must continue paying utilities until the last day of their rental, so that you don’t need to take any of those funds (plus a possible inconvenience fee) from their security deposit.
• -Suggest a pre-move inspection to help tenants recognize what they need to take care of before the final move-out inspection comes around.
• -Make a clear time-of-day requirement for move-out day so that they is no lagging in the actual move.

The goal is avoiding vacancy and ensuring quick turnaround of rentals. By facilitating an easy move for your tenant, not only do they feel confident in the support of their property manager, but the property manager gains confidence in the condition of the property! It’s a win-win!