In 2018, I have a goal to automate the move-in process. I am trying to find a fairly "fool proof" way to ensure the tenant understands our expectations. This is not the typical, "let's go over the lease."

I don't usually go thru the whole lease at move-in. I email it to them at least a day in advance so they can look it over. I doubt that many do. But if we do the whole thing at signing time, it takes a lot of time, and what I've found is the main thing on their mind is, "get keys, start moving." They won't be focused on me droning on about abandonment regulations, etc.

Thought about a move-in DVD like Mike Butler has or a YouTube, and I may still do that, but my goal is not to hit every single jot and tittle of the lease. Overall expectations are the key! Hit the stuff that causes 80% of the problems and provide a quick reference sheet for the future.

I typed up the following letter that we'd go over right before signing the lease. Then I'll look them in the eye and say, "Is everyone in agreement with this?" If yes, we sign. If not, we don't. It's 1 page, in "list" format to keep it short 'n sweet.

Please take a look and let me know of any suggestions! Am I crazy? Am I lazy? Does this idea have merit? Your thoughts are appreciated.

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How to Have a GREAT Rental Relationship!

As your property managers, we promise to:

1) Allow you to enjoy the use of your home without unreasonable disruptions.

2) Take care of repairs and maintenance issues in a timely manner. 30 days or less for non-emergencies and 3 days or less for emergencies is considered typical.

3) Give you reasonable notice when we need inside access.

4) Communicate clearly and respond to your questions and concerns promptly.

5) Return your full security deposit, less charges for damages or unpaid rent and fees, within the time required by Missouri Statutes.

As our tenant, we expect you to:

1) Pay the rent on or before the day it is due, in full, without any excuses. You expect your income paid to you on or before the day it is due, in full, without any excuses. We expect the same. Don’t make us contact you asking for rent. Life happens; have a plan. No excuses for unpaid rent, period.

2) If you have exhausted all possible methods to pay, then let us know and be completely moved out before your next rent is due. You’ll still owe us some money for breaking the agreement, but it’s better than staying put and having legal action started against you. Your reputation is valuable: protect it.

3) Take care of the property and report maintenance issues promptly.

4) Obey the law. If we find something illegal or against housing code, don’t be surprised or upset when we tell you to correct it.

5) Be a good neighbor to those around you.

6) Respect our contractors. Keep scheduled appointments and let them work.

7) This house is your home, but it is the owner’s house. Don’t do anything to their house without first getting written permission.

8) Do not move in people or animals that aren’t approved. There’s a process for adding people or animals in the lease. There are expensive fees if done wrong.

9) Read, understand, and follow all parts of your rental agreement. We’re here to help you, so ask questions before doing anything if you’re not sure.

Cordially,

The Management

Other than maybe the latter part of 7, I feel like all of those items are should be obvious to reasonable and credit-worthy people, even if they have never rented a house before. I would not rent to someone I had to emphasize those points to.

Without reading it first, I LOVE lists and a numbered format.

After reading it, I think folks basically know what is expected and seeing this in writing won't help - this istoo general. They'll either do what they are supposed to (guided by common sense - such as keeping contractor's appts) or they won't. Agreeing today to be certain to be there for the plumber doesn't mean that come August they will remember or care that you told them now ... they'll either be the kind of folks who pay attention and will be there or else they are an "oops, that was today?" kind of person.

know where the water shut off is for each faucet and whole house. Know where the electric panel box is.

how about what is an emergency and what is not ?

Although the list is great, it seems the Landlord list is just facts, the tenant list sounds patronizing, mothering and nagging. Maybe if you just listed - landlord and tenant responsibilities and stick to the fact - rent is due on or before the 1st to avoid eviction.

That said, I don't think your list will make much difference. I have those things in bold letters in the agreement, numbered, so it is easy to find, and the legalese wording that is needed in regular print after that. Most everyone I rent to understands this.

I agree with LindaJ. The words "expect you to" grates. "By signing of the lease, you promise to:", sounds a little better.

I would keep it positive. Yes, you want to assert control, but you are coming over too pushy waaay before they've done anything wrong.

I also wouldn't want you to be set up for a failure. For example, let's say you have hail damage. The tenant knows the shingles are in poor condition, but it's not leaking. Getting that roof fixed could take more than the 30 days, but your tenant could go there and say," well, this paper says 30 days."You've now got a disgruntled tenant because they are anxious about a leaky roof.

At the signing, we just go through anything that is out of the ordinary.

- no pets

- no smoking

-rent due on the first, late on 2nd.

-How to pay rent

-have them sign lead disclosure

-ETF

- appliances not part of lease

Fill out and return movein form within 3 days

That's it. I don't go over anything else.

They can read it. They can ask questions anytime.

Sid, this is one of the reasons I derive such great benefit from this site. Seems this wasn't a great idea ... the way you were intending to use it and/or at this point in time.

It's admirable that you are constantly striving to make your business processes more streamlined and efficient.

For the past year I have been using Brad10k's lease. In it is a room by room check list of condition of ceiling/floor/walls/doors/switches/ect.It takes tenant about an hour to complete. Also a move out checklist is alongside. Plainly stated that tenant is responsible for returning home in move in ready condition. Along with the lease being read to them via recording.......every tenancy in 2017 was not perfect....but much, much improved.

For the naysayers, keep in mind that I don't approve Judgement proof applicants. That is the key.