Move-in day can be very hectic for renters. They need to coordinate with different people and make sure that they are settled in their new rental unit by the end of the day. While landlords have their own move-in day tasks, adding in some extra touches can make all the difference to your new tenants. Here are some helpful tips for move-in day.
5 Move-In Day Extras for Your New Tenants
Moving to a new home can be very stressful and time-consuming. However, landlords can make simple gestures that will help ease some of the burdens that new tenants might be feeling. Apart from that, these extras also go a long way in strengthening your landlord-tenant relationship. When welcoming new tenants to your property, here are five move-in day extras to consider.
1. Send Important Reminders Before Move-In Day
Landlords should send important reminders to their new tenants at least 24 hours before move-in day.
You can send an email with the exact date and time of the move-in, where they can meet you or pick up the keys to the unit, and other move-in day rules and regulations that you might have.
It’s also important to include parking rules so that the new tenants can plan where their moving trucks and vehicles will go. By helping avoid parking fines or violations, landlords are already relieving some of the burdens that come with tenant move-in day.
2. Give New Tenants a Welcome Basket
All new tenants will appreciate a welcome basket from their landlord. It is a simple gesture but it leaves a good impression on your new tenants. It also conveys that you are happy to have these new individuals in your rental property.
Welcome baskets don’t have to include expensive gifts. You can just put some snacks, cleaning supplies, a pack of toilet paper, bottles of water, or garbage bags. These items are essential supplies so your new tenants will be pleased to receive them as a gift.
3. Provide an Information Packet for a Smooth Transition
It can take a long time to get settled in a new rental unit. Tenants not only have to move in boxes of their belongings, but they also need to take care of some business matters.
For instance, they need to make sure that the lease agreement is finalized. They also need to contact utility companies to set up new accounts.
To make this experience as smooth as possible, landlords can provide new tenants with an information packet during move-in day. The packet should include a move-in day checklist, a copy of the lease agreement, key property information, property rules and regulations, rent due dates and payment channels, contact information for maintenance workers and utility companies, and other landlord-tenant forms they may need. By proving all this important information from the start, landlords can reduce potential misunderstandings with tenants.
4. Treat New Tenants to a Move-In Day Meal
Your new renters will be constantly on their feet on move-in day. They will be so busy with moving that they may not have enough time to take a break or have a meal.
As a move-in day extra, landlords can treat their new tenants to a free meal. It can be as simple as a box of pizza or a complete meal with drinks. Landlords can likewise give a gift card for a nearby restaurant.
In addition, it might also be a good idea to give your new tenants take-out menus from some of the best food establishments in your area. With this gesture, tenants will have the sustenance they need to survive the rest of the move-in day.
5. Make Yourself Available During Move-In Day
A lot of landlords only meet with their new tenants for a few minutes. They may give a short tour of the rental unit, hand off the keys, and be on their way. However, if you want to go the extra mile, make yourself available to your new tenants for the entire move-in day. You don’t have to stay there the whole day.
You can just leave your contact details and let them know that you are available to answer any questions that they may have throughout the day. Also, make sure that you are on the rental property at the agreed-upon time. If you are late, you might make a bad first impression on your new tenants.
Before move-in day, landlords must also perform a final check of the rental unit. This ensures that the property is clean and that everything is in good working condition. You also want to check that there are no damages or health hazards that can derail move-in day for your new tenants.
Move-In Day Extras for a Better Landlord-Tenant Relationship
Apart from welcoming new tenants, landlords have many other responsibilities to take care of. That’s why a lot of landlords simply hand off the keys to their new tenants and let them handle things on their own.
However, if you want to make a good impression on your new tenants, it can be helpful to include some move-in day extras such as a welcome basket or a free move-in day meal. Landlords who take the time to make these simple gestures will find it easier to build a relationship with their tenants.
If you want to provide additional services to your tenants, feel free to browse our online directory of property management companies, HOA management companies, and real estate agents.
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