New tenants should be given a copy of the lease agreement, move-in condition report, receipts of any security deposit and rental payment, and contact information for landlords or property managers.
Starting the tenancy right sets the tone for the rest of the contract. Providing new tenants with the necessary documents demonstrates a high level of professionalism. It can also help mitigate any legal issues that may arise during their stay.
Essential Documents
Finding the right tenant is an essential step toward successful rental property management. However, as a landlord, it is important to provide the new tenant with specific documents before they can move in.
Let’s focus on the essential documents that you must provide to your new tenant before they move in.
Lease Agreement
The lease agreement is the essential document that outlines the tenant-landlord contractual relationship.
This agreement serves as a binding contract that defines the tenant’s and landlord’s rights and obligations. In the lease agreement, the following key points should be included:
- Names and addresses of both parties involved, including the landlords and tenants.
- The rental property address and the rental unit, including the room number.
- The duration of the lease, including start and end dates.
- The detailed payment information (e.g. Amount, due date, mode of payment, penalties for default payment)
- Terms for renewing or terminating the lease agreement.
- Security deposit amount, payment mode, and terms of refund.
Move-In Inspection Checklist
The move-in inspection checklist provides a detailed record of the condition of the rental unit before tenants’ occupancy.
It lists all the items in the property, including flooring, appliances, fixtures, and doors, and states their current condition.
The move-in inspection checklist serves as evidence of the rental property’s condition before the tenant moves in, helping to prevent future disputes regarding the damage deposit.
The following items should be covered in the move-in inspection checklist:
- Walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Doors, locks, and windows.
- Appliances and fixtures, such as ovens, refrigerators, lighting, and sinks.
- HVAC, heating, and cooling systems.
- The general cleaning status of the rental property.
Rent Payment Information
Rent payment information outlines the payment details of the tenant. It includes the amount of rent, acceptable payment methods, and payment due dates. Here are important points to include:
- The monthly rental amount and payment due date.
- Payment methods accepted, including online or physical methods of payment.
- Penalties and fees, such as late payment fees or other default payment penalties.
Contact Information
Contact information helps the tenant reach out to their landlord or property manager whenever they need assistance. Here are important points to include:
- Phone number, email address, and physical address of the landlord or property manager.
- Office hours for property management and landlord/tenant communication.
- Emergency contacts in case of emergency situations.
Legal Documents
When it comes to renting out your property, legal documents are essential to protect both the landlord and the tenant. Here are the key legal documents you need to give to a new tenant:
Security Deposit Receipt
A security deposit receipt is a document that acknowledges that the tenant has paid a security deposit to the landlord.
It must include the amount of the security deposit, the date it was received, and the name and address of the bank where it is being held.
- Include the initial amount of the security deposit.
- Mention the date the deposit was received.
- Name the bank and the address where the deposit is held.
Disclosure Forms
Disclosure forms are documents that inform the tenant about any potential issues with the property they are renting. These include:
- Mold, asbestos, lead paint, or other hazardous materials.
- Previous criminal activity on the premises.
- Presence of pests like bed bugs or rodents.
- Any repairs or maintenance that may affect the tenant’s quality of life.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
If your property was built before 1978, you must give the tenant a lead-based paint disclosure form.
This form informs the tenant about any lead-based paint or hazards on the property. It must include a statement about the potential health risks of lead-based paint and provide information on how to reduce the risk of exposure.
- If your property was built before 1978, you need to give a lead-based paint disclosure form.
- The form should state potential health risks and steps to reduce risk.
Fair Housing Laws
It’s essential to ensure that you comply with fair housing laws and regulations when renting out your property. Be sure to give your tenant any documents that outline their rights as a tenant, including:
- Federal fair housing act.
- Americans with disabilities act.
- State-specific housing laws and regulations.
- Provide documents that outline a tenant’s rights under the fair housing act and other housing laws.
- Outline state-specific housing laws and regulations.
Eviction Notices
While you hope that all tenant-landlord relationships have a happy ending, sometimes things don’t work out.
It’s crucial to have eviction notices ready in case a tenant violates their lease terms. Provide the following forms:
- Pay-or-quit notice: A notice that gives the tenant a certain amount of time to pay what they owe or face eviction.
- Cure-or-quit notice: A notice that gives the tenant a certain amount of time to correct a lease violation or face eviction.
- Unconditional quit notice: A notice that orders the tenant to leave the property immediately.
- Have eviction notices ready in case a tenant violates the lease terms.
- Provide pay-or-quit, cure-or-quit, and unconditional quit notices for different scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions Of What Documents Do I Need To Give A New Tenant?
What Documents Do I Need To Give A New Tenant When Renting A Property?
Documents you’ll need include a tenancy agreement, inventory, gas safety certificate, and epc.
Is It Necessary To Take A Deposit From A New Tenant?
Yes, it is necessary to take a deposit from a new tenant before handing over the keys.
Can I Ask For References From New Tenants Before Renting My Property?
Yes, you can ask for references from new tenants to assess their credibility and stability.
Do I Need To Provide My Tenant With A Copy Of The Property’S Epc?
Yes, you need to provide the tenant with a copy of the property’s epc before renting.
Conclusion
Ensure a smooth move-in by providing your new tenant with all necessary documents. Your lease agreement, property rules, emergency contact list, and move-in inspection report are not just papers.
The keys to a successful landlord-tenant relationship. Arm yourself with the right documentation and watch your rental business thrive.
Reference
https://www.ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/publications/landlord-tenantlaw.pdf