By the time the tenants are ready to check in, all screening and referencing would have been completed and approved, the tenancy agreement would have been prepared and signed and the first months rent and property deposit would have been paid. Welcome to Connect UK’s ‘Landlord Academy’ – here to answer all your property questions. The check-in process is a chance to become properly acquainted with your tenants. The process should take around half an hour but will depend on the size of the property. You should walk around the whole property, inside and outside with your tenants to make sure they agree with the inventory and condition statements. You can discuss anything which is not clear to them, explain the condition of items stated in the report and make sure the they are aware of what is expected of them during the tenancy. The inventory can be signed there and then or left with the tenants for up to 7 days. Within these 7 days the tenants can go through, themselves, thoroughly and any discrepancies can be added which will form part of the legal document. A checklist can help ensure you that the tenants are comfortable with the operation of the house and can locate its amenities. Such amenities may include:

• Keys, doors and locks
• Utility metres and metre readings
• Any alarms and / or codes
• Use of any white goods
• Stop taps and isolator switches
• Boiler and fuse board

Now is the time to inform your tenants of the utility companies the water, electric and gas may be registered with. They should register with each one and take over the bills from check in day. By making them aware of the local council, they will be able to register for council tax also. It is important that the tenants know where to pay their rent, who to and when as well as who to go to if they have any issues or questions. Whether they contact you, as the landlord or an agent, by knowing they have support if needed, will make their move in process an enjoyable one.

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