This is the third in a three-part series about streamlining and improving the moving process for prospects, residents, and site teams.

After the application has been approved, the real work begins in the lead up to the actual move-in day. To help new residents stay organized and to ensure a smooth moving experience, provide them with a checklist of everything they need to do before moving in and have it readily available in your property’s app or portal.

For each of your properties or unit types, you should compile a standardized checklist. Doing so will save you time in reviewing inspections and ensure everyone is on the same page. Another best practice is to provide the resident with ample time to complete the checklist before moving in. 

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(An example of a simple Move-In Inspection Checklist)

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There are a number of things that go onto your make-ready board as you prepare to welcome a new resident to your properties. First, you need to make sure that their unit is clean and inspected for any damage the previous resident may have caused. You’ll want to thoroughly inspect it for any damage that the previous resident may have caused and get it repaired. Then, document the condition of the apartment, furniture, and appliances with video and photos, and have the resident acknowledge the condition at move in just in case there are any disputes when the new resident eventually moves out. Below are some items to include on your move-in checklist:

Renters insurance

The best way to ensure residents are compliant with your renters insurance requirements is integrating it into your application process. Make it easy for them to purchase a policy directly from you or provide their policy number. Incorporating it into the application will also accelerate the entire process and prevent your team from having to track it down after the fact. Another benefit of offering renters insurance directly to the residents, you create an opportunity to make ancillary revenue, which is essential in this current market with increasing costs.

Collect security deposit 

Next, you’ll want to collect the security deposit, which is something that can be difficult for many residents to afford. Fortunately, there are other options available to reduce move-in costs like deposit alternatives. Offering deposit alternatives is another way to drive revenue to your properties while also ensuring you have the necessary coverage to protect you in the event significant damage occurs to the unit.

Connecting utilities

Enable residents to connect their utilities directly from your portal and app, while giving them the option to consolidate all of their utilities with their rent into one invoice. Doing so results in a better resident experience and an increased likelihood of utilities getting paid on time and mitigates the possibility of the resident accruing utility expenses before cut over

Set up online payment

One way to reduce bad debt and increase on-time payments is by encouraging residents to set up online payments via your app. Provide a number of different payment options, including ACH, credit, and debit card payments.

Collect keys

This is another area where technology can improve the overall experience for residents. No longer do you have to distribute keys or key cards if you don’t want to. You can provide direct access to residents via your property’s app. This also gives residents the ability to easily grant access to friends and family who may be visiting if your property has smart locks in place.

Provide feedback

Finally, after the move in is completed, ask residents for feedback about the process to find out areas you’re succeeding and areas that need improvement. Once you have that feedback, ask the resident to leave a review. Good property management software makes it simple for you to send a review request to the sites of your choice via text.

Learn more

To learn more about how Entrata can improve the moving process for residents, prospects, and team members check out our latest ebook, From Clicks to Keys, or request a demo today.