Landlord Move-Out Check List

DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services

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Our Landlord Move-Out Check List

When a homeowner is planning to vacate their principal residence and turn it into a rental home, there are many things that need to happen to make the process smooth.  We are providing this check list to make your move-out as easy as possible.  You can always contact us if you have any questions.  We will be happy to assist you and hope your move and stay at your new location will be pleasant.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Contact your insurance agent and be sure that your homeowner’s policy is amended or converted to the proper fire policy.  It is recommended that your insurance be written for replacement cost and that you insure under the “broad form” or “all risk.”  Ask your insurance agent specific questions.  
  • Also check with your agent concerning vandalism and malicious mischief coverage if your property remains vacant.  You may also check with the agent concerning “loss of rents” coverage due to a claim of fire or vandalism, and automatic increases to keep insurance equal to property value.  Be sure that you also have liability coverage, which is known as Owner’s, Landlord’s and Tenant’s insurance.  This should be for at least $500,000. 
  • When you are out of the Washington, DC area, you should direct all questions relating to the management of your property by letter through postal mail or Email.  In an emergency, use a telegram, fax or telephone.  You can also schedule a Zoom meeting.  Remember to send us your home and office telephone numbers and EMail addresses when you reach your new destination.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR VACATING THE HOME:

  • Leave the utilities on in your current account so that lights can be turned on in bathrooms, hallways, kitchen, etc.  Turn the water off at the main valve.  Tenants will be given instructions to have utilities placed in their name upon occupancy, and we shall disconnect utilities for you, requesting final bills.
  • Identify and tag your main water cut-off valve and any interior cut-off valves for outside faucets.  Turn these valves off and open outside spigots for continuous drainage.  This information should be noted in our Residential Management Information Sheet.
  • Be sure that faucets are not dripping.  During cold weather, set the thermostat at 55 degrees and drain residual water from the pipes.  Close all valves when this has been done.  
  • If your home is equipped with oil or propane, measure the contents or have it done by your oil delivery service and report to DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services.  It is preferable for you to leave a full tank of oil or propane.
  • Have two complete sets of keys available for the tenant and identify them clearly.  All the keys should work all entry doors to the home.  In addition, have two extra main door keys for DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services.  We maintain a key file so we can access properties in the case of emergency.  Once we have a tenant ready to move in, we will have the locks changed in their presence and will do so with each tenant turnover.  All exterior doors should have a dead bolt lock and/or peep hole.  Under no circumstances should the dead bolt locks be double-cylinder.  Those require a key to open from the inside.  This is not only dangerous in the event of an emergency, but is illegal for rental homes.
  • Leave any operating instructions for equipment and appliances in a kitchen drawer.  Placing them in a loose leaf file keeps them together, save and clean.
  • Upon leaving, be sure that all windows and doors are closed and locked. Make sure that DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services has keys to the property.
  • Leave the interior and exterior of the property clean and in good repair.  Do not leave any personal property, trash, or debris in the property.  This includes the basement, garage, attic, closets, etc.  Lawns should be cut, bushes trimmed, gutters clear and yard clear of debris.  Once tenants move in, these will all be tenant responsibilities.
  • Carpets and fireplace/wood stoves should be professionally cleaned and receipts for the work left with DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services.  Tenants are required to follow these procedures when they move out.
  • Check the tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.  Be sure that tile is properly set and that grout is in good condition. 
  • Defrost and clean refrigerator.  Set temperature to “low” or “vacation.”
  • Check and clean all appliances and fixtures.  Pay particular attention to the kitchen, bathrooms and utility/furnace room.  Replace or clean furnace filter.  It is a good idea to leave a few extra furnace filters for the tenants.
  • Taxes and insurance:  In the event you want DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services to make mortgage payments, HOA dues payments or real estate taxes and insurance payments, which are not included in your mortgage payment, you should advise your insurance agent and the proper county or city officials, in writing, where insurance and tax bills are to be sent.
  • If DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services is to pay your mortgage payments and/or association dues, you will need to sign letters of instruction advising them to correspond with DMS Properties, LLC Residential Real Estate Services. We shall provide blank forms, if necessary.  Remember, if we pay either or both of these items, our management fee is increased to 10% of the monthly rent.

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