Getting a property ready for the next tenant takes a lot of work. This starts from the moment you give your renter a landlord notice to vacate letter. In this post, you’ll learn how to guarantee a smooth and amicable transition between renters.
When To Give a Notice To Vacate
A notice to vacate is a document that lets you formally declare a contract’s end. If you don’t wish to renew the lease, this document gives renters adequate notice. They’ll then have enough time to find a new place.
Use online templates to ensure your notice is legally binding. You must include the move-out date, final payment date, and instructions on how to prepare the property.
You should give this notice at least 30-60 days in advance. However, the minimum notice period is up to the state. For example, Utah only requires 15 days’ notice. The sooner you give your tenant notice, the more time they’ll have to arrange another home.
More notice also gives tenants a chance to clean and carry out their move-out duties.
Your Tenant’s Move-Out Checklist
It’s worth giving tenants a checklist of everything they need to do before moving out. Most online templates simply list every fixture or part of the property. The tenants can then tick each section as they go through them. Here are some essential tasks worth reiterating:
- Clean the floors: The tenant should mop or vacuum the floors before leaving the home. The property might need a deep clean if they struggle for any reason.
- Remove fasteners: No nails or adhesive strips should still be on the walls. Check in with the tenants and ensure they remove these without stripping the paint.
- Empty the freezer: The tenants should remove all food from the freezer and defrost it. If they leave any food behind, this could spoil and create a significant hygiene risk.
- Clean appliances: Tenants must also clean the home’s other appliances inside and out. Consider providing any specialist home cleaning products they might require.
- Repaint if necessary: If the tenants damaged or changed the home’s original paint, you can ask them to restore it. Even tape or command strips can harm the wall.
- Empty the trash: Make sure your tenants know to take out their trash before leaving. As with spoiled food, leftover trash could potentially attract pests.
The Property’s Final Inspection
Schedule a suitable time to inspect the property with your tenant(s). Look at each room and give “feedback” on the tenant’s efforts to get everything ready. You might give them an extra day or two to fix any minor problems that persist.
You can use your tenant’s checklist to check off each part of the property for yourself. If you set up an inventory at the start of the tenancy, refer back to this. Compare the current condition with earlier photos of the property.
If you notice anything amiss, talk to the tenant. Some wear and tear is unavoidable. However, you might need to book a third-party repair if there are severe damages.
Preparing For the Next Tenant
Make sure the next renter has everything they’ll need when they arrive. The property’s WiFi and utilities should be fully working. If the renter took care of the utilities, make sure to transfer these to the next tenant.
Similarly, any bulbs and batteries should be replaced, especially after a long-term contract. They might have been in continuous use for years without replacement. Finally, make sure the tenant leaves their key with you to give to the next renter.
Addressing Property Damages
If you find any damages to your property, remedy these immediately. Here are some minor and major issues you could come across:
- Noticeable holes from nails and screws
- Stains or burns on the carpet
- Broken or otherwise damaged handles
- Non-functioning outlets
- Mold on the freezer or walls
- Clogged or cracked pipes
- Pest infestations
- Lingering pet hair (if pets are allowed)
- Unauthorized modifications
Some of these will necessitate extensive repairs that come out of the tenant’s security deposit. If you’re facing an infestation, fumigating the property can delay the next tenant’s arrival. Don’t bill renters for everyday wear and tear.
Managing the Security Deposit
Every state has different security deposit rules. For example, you’ll have 60 days to return a deposit in Arkansas. Meanwhile, you must return any deduction-free deposits in Montana within 10 days. Always check your state’s rules; you might even have to pay interest.
When you return the deposit, put together an itemized list that shows all deductions in full. Keep any repair recipes so you can prove the validity of each deduction.
Final Thoughts
The tenant changeover process takes plenty of effort from each party. Make sure you’re working alongside your current renter rather than against them. Answer any questions they have, and try to be understanding of minor damages.
