Having a new tenant can be a tedious task. From rental listings to showing the property and handing over the keys, a lot has to be done.

This article has got you covered with an extensive tenant checklist to make the handover look and feel like a piece of cake.

On a similar note, you should make sure that your tenant has valid tenant’s insurance for added security. Although tenant insurance isn’t legally required in Edmonton, you, as the landlord, can make it a necessary stipulation of the lease.

In contrast, if you’re a renter that’s looking for tenant insurance quotes in Edmonton, there is no better team to work with than Surex — click the link to learn how you can save on tenant insurance.

The Best New Tenant Checklist for Landlords

Here is everything you need to take care of when a new tenant is about to move in:

1. Sign the lease with new tenants

It's important to keep everything on paper to ensure security from both ends. The rental lease is a legally binding document, signed both by the landlord and the tenant, to declare the mutual agreement of the written terms. Everything from the rent, to the date and the deposit amount is documented in the lease.

2. Collect security deposit and accept advance payment

Once the legal lease is signed, it's time to settle the monetary matters. Collect the security deposit and the advance payment from the tenant. If the tenant pays by a cheque, ensure the cheque is cleared before handing over the keys. After all, you do not want to get stuck with a tenant who cannot pay the first month's rent. Once you receive the payment, don't forget to give a receipt to your tenant.

3. Confirm the move out date with your tenant

Once you have the new tenants ready, get a confirmation from their older tenants regarding their move-out date. Once you have the confirmed date, you can plan the handover better. If required, you can also appoint painters or plumbers accordingly as well. If possible, provide your current tenant with a move-out checklist that can help them move without facing any hassles.

4. Prepare a move-in schedule

As important as it is to settle the move-out date of the previous tenant, you need to prepare a move-in schedule for the new tenant as well. Sit with them to sort out what needs to be done and how long that might take. Doing this ensures that everything gets done within the given time frame.

5. Send a welcome letter/mail to the new tenant

At least a week before your new tenants move in, send a welcome letter or email to them. It certainly has nothing to do with money; it's just good hospitality and ensuring a pleasant term. Besides, it reminds them to move in on the mentioned date and follow the needful.

6. Inspect the property after previous tenants move out

It's important to inspect the property once your old tenants move out. There might be damages you didn't know about and should be charged from the tenants' security deposit. If required, hire a professional to inspect the property and identify any intentional damages.

7. Return the security deposit to the previous tenants

Once you're sure that no damages have been done intentionally to your property, it's time to return their security deposit. Make sure you complete the procedure within 24 hours and don't make them wait for too long. If you are charging them for anything, ensure providing an itemized list and a receipt.

8. Schedule appointments for renovations

When your previous tenants have moved out, it's time to do the renovations. If your new tenants expect a new coat of paint, there's no better time to get it done. You can also get the fire alarms and pipes checked in the meantime.

9. Don't forget to change the locks

If you have been renting back to back, it's essential to change the locks every time a new tenant comes in. Maybe your previous tenant's relatives still have a copy of the key and think if they end up barging in. To avoid such a misunderstanding, it's always safe to change the locks every time you have a new tenant.

Besides, some laws ask you to change the locks every year, no matter whether you have new tenants or not. Make sure you check the laws of your province.

10. Get the fire and smoke detectors checked

As a landlord, you must ensure your room is safe for the tenants to inhabit. Getting the fire and smoke detectors checked is essential. On a similar note, you should also inspect the fire extinguishers from time to time in case of an emergency.

11. Take a picture of the unit

Once your space is painted and ready for the tenants, click some pictures of the whole property. You can share those pictures with the new tenants while turning them over to prove the condition.

Adding them to your agreement will also help you cross-check the property’s condition when it’s time to pay back the security deposit. Besides, promoting your rental property on social media with these pictures is always an option.

12. Set up rental payment procedures

Have you figured out how you want to accept your payments? Is it digitally or via cheque? You must discuss it with your tenants and come to a fair agreement which both of you are comfortable with.

13. Hand over the keys

Now that everything is done, it's time to hand over the keys to your new tenants. Provide the keys and review the tenant checklist moving in process with them to ensure nothing is left behind.

Importance of tenant’s insurance

Do not forget to ask your new tenant to purchase tenant insurance. It would cover the cost of any accidental damages caused due to the tenant’s fault. It also goes to exhibit the financial soundness and credit standing of your new tenant.

Conclusion

With that, you have checked off all the requirements from the list that you would need once you land a new tenant. To conclude, it might not be easy to manage it all, but it's definitely not impossible.Hopefully, this tenant checklist guide will help you deal with your new tenants like a pro!