Handling the transition from old tenants to new ones can be one of the toughest and most time-consuming jobs a property manager faces. Even with years of experience managing multi-family residences, a change in tenancy always seems to bring new challenges. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a checklist for property management between tenants.
Show Up for the Move-Out Inspection
Being there in person for a tenant’s move-out inspection can save on hassles and headaches down the road. This can minimize haggling with property damage disputes and help you to avoid paying for repairs you weren’t responsible for. And remember to pick up all sets of keys!
Take Plenty of Pics
Along with being present for the move-out inspection, this is your best way to defend yourself against damage disputes. It’s also a good way to keep track of the appearance of your property over time and see how things are trending.
Double Check the Utilities
Assuming that residents closed their utility accounts can be a problem for you down the road. Make it part of the move-out process to receive proof of closed accounts or consider retaining control of utilities and charging tenants with their rent.
Take Care of the Walls
Walls are bare when a new tenant moves in so dings and scuffs leap out at them and look terrible. Patching and painting walls are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of keeping a unit looking fresh and increasing its appeal to potential residents.
Give the Plumbing a Once Over and Respond Accordingly
This is possibly the single most important step you can take to ensure your property’s wellbeing and save on costs in the future. Make sure you check the plumbing in each unit thoroughly and make all necessary repairs. Leaks and floods can turn into disasters for multiple units in a short period of time.
Stay on Top of the Landscaping
This should be routine but it’s important enough to mention here. The property’s landscaping is the first impression for prospective tenants, so regularly scheduled visits from a professional landscaping company are a good investment. It will also keep you in line with local ordinances and help you avoid violations and fines.
Make a Decision on Carpeting
After tenants move out, it’s time to either replace the carpets or clean them. If you opt for the latter, Bioesque Carpet Cleaners feature an eco-friendly deep cleaning formula that effectively removes tough spots and stains while simultaneously deodorizing.
The Deep Clean
Make sure you have a detailed checklist covering the entire process to make sure nothing gets missed. Do a walkthrough, clean, and then do another and clean again, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is an all-purpose formula capable of cleaning and disinfecting in one step without the use of personal protective equipment.
A Safer Way to Clean
Cleaning chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and ammonia are very effective, but come with an added cost: they’re harsh, toxic, and terrible for the environment. Bioesque Solutions was founded on the principle that there must be a safer way to clean without sacrificing the power of these chemicals. With a formula that is free of bleach and other harsh chemicals, Bioesque’s full range of cleaning products is a great choice for hazard-conscious or environmentally sensitive settings.
Be Upfront with Your Tenants and Avoid These Common Cleaning Pitfalls
It’s usually the tenants’ responsibility to give the unit a thorough cleaning when they move out. However, most of their attention is focused on moving their belongings, so this can sometimes fall by the wayside. Another instance is when residents spend time cleaning but don’t get a deposit back because the property manager wasn’t clear about their expectations. These headaches can be avoided by being upfront with tenants about their responsibilities upon moving out. Offer them a checklist detailing everything you expect of them to make the transition as smooth as possible. The following is a list of common cleaning pitfalls for property managers. Use it to help compile your move-out checklist as well as a cleaning guide before showing a unit to potential residents.
Stay on Top of the Property’s Condition with Pictures
Make sure to do a complete walkthrough of the property before a new tenant moves in and document everything with pictures. This protects both you and the new tenant. The photos can easily solve any disputes that may arise later and provide you with a bigger picture of how the property is trending.
Don’t Forget the Windows
These are often a problem area with tenants moving out. Additionally, prospective residents often check here when moving into a place to get an idea of overall cleanliness. It’s a detail you don’t want to miss. Be sure to check the windowsill for dead bugs and dust and make sure the windows are spotless.
Remember the Baseboards
Another problem spot. Dirt and dust just seem to gravitate to these so be sure to check them and give them a good wipedown before new residents tour the unit. It can make a world of difference.
Clean the Oven
The kitchen is one of the first places potential tenants will check during the walkthrough and opening up the oven to find grease and burnt food can ruin the deal. Buy some oven cleaner and make sure the oven looks brand new.
Check and Double-Check for Mold
Mold can endanger the health of residents and bring up litigation issues for property managers. When you’re doing your walk-through, be on the lookout for mold, especially in bathrooms. If you do find a small outbreak, clean the area with a good disinfectant. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution kills 99.9% of mold after just three minutes. You may also want to consider treating problem areas with Mold Resistant Coating.
Take Care of the Carpets
Carpets should be shampooed at the very least. Bioesque Carpet Cleaners feature an eco-friendly deep cleaning formula that effectively removes tough spots and stains while simultaneously deodorizing.
Clean and Disinfect Bathrooms and Kitchens
These areas are the benchmarks upon which the cleanliness of your unit will be judged. Make sure they’re spotless and sanitized. Bioesque’s Botanical Disinfectant Solution is an all-purpose ready-to-use cleaner that’s capable of cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing in just one step.
Make the Appliances Shine
While you’re in the kitchen, take an extra moment to make the appliances look brand new. The Bioesque Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish easily eliminates fingerprints, streaks and smudges with our non-abrasive, non-toxic and biodegradable formula.
A Safer Way to Clean
Cleaning chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and ammonia are very effective, but come with an added cost: they’re harsh, toxic, and terrible for the environment. Bioesque Solutions was founded on the principle that there must be a safer way to clean without sacrificing the power of these chemicals. With a formula that is free of bleach and other harsh chemicals, Bioesque’s full range of cleaning products is a great choice for hazard-conscious or environmentally sensitive settings.
