Nine questions to ask your landlord before moving in:
There’s a lot on your mind when you’re preparing for a move, from what day you can move in to when you’ll receive your keys, where the moving truck can park, and more.
To ensure you’re as prepared as possible, and have as many moving day details to make it a stress-free and efficient day, it’s important to ask your landlord these nine questions ahead of time.
#1 What day can I move in?
It’s best to check with your landlord about what day you’re able to move in. That way, you are both on the same page and you can schedule professional movers ahead of time. It’s recommended to reach out and book your movers as soon as possible, even as early as one month out from the date you’d like to move.
#2 What will you do to prepare the unit before I move in?
Most landlords clean and re-paint in between tenants. We recommend finding out what your landlord plans on doing ahead of time, so you know what condition the place will be in when you move in.
#3 Were the locks changed?
In some locations, it’s a legal requirement for landlords to change the locks in between tenants. Even if it’s not a legal requirement, you can still request that your landlord changes the locks if you prefer.
#4 When will I get my keys?
Of course, you’ll need to know when you can pick up your keys to access your unit for move-in day! We recommend coordinating with your landlord to find out where and when you can pick up your keys. You may want to ask if there are other people who have a copy of the key, or access to your unit.
#5 What doors/elevators should I use? And where can I park my moving truck?
Your landlord will know the best place for your moving truck to be, whether it’s in an alley, on the street, or in a truck dock (at a larger building). You can also find out if there are service elevators for you to use. Be sure to make arrangements for parking and service elevators prior to your movers’ arrival.
#6 What do I do in the case of a lockout?
Before moving in, it’s best to know the lockout procedure. Is there an extra key on site in a lockbox? Is there a 24/7 emergency lockout company you should call? Your landlord will likely have a way for you to remedy the situation, and having this information may come in handy down the road.
#7 Is there a move-in checklist for me to complete?
It’s best practice to fill out a move-in checklist. You’ll mark any existing damage on move-in day. That way, when you move out, you can show the landlord that the damage was already there. This is helpful if you want to receive your full security deposit at the end of the lease.
You can also check to ensure you have all the proper moving essentials, here.
#8 How do I pay first month’s rent?
Typically, landlords expect first month’s rent before you move in. It’s usually a requirement before he or she will hand over a key to you. Make sure you know how to pay rent and when it’s due so you get your keys on time.
#9 What utilities am I responsible for?
You’ll want to set up your utilities before you move in. Gas, electricity, and internet are utilities you’ll want immediately. If you’re responsible for setting these up, your landlord should let you know which companies to reach out to. If not, we recommend asking your landlord for more information.
Next steps
You’ve asked your landlord these questions, and found out your move-in date, so the next step is setting up professional movers. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is here to help.
If you’d like to pay rent online, tell your landlord about Rentalutions. You can set up automatic payments, so you don’t have to remember each month. Learn more about Rentalutions below.
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At Rentalutions, our end-to-end software empowers tenants and landlords. As a tenant, you can complete a rental application, sign your lease online, pay rent online, and manage maintenance all in one place. Thousands of landlords and tenants across the country use our platform to streamline the rental process. Learn more here.
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