✅ New Landlord Checklist

⚖️ Legal & Business Setup Checklist

• 📋 Research your state’s landlord-tenant law basics (notice periods, deposit limits, habitability requirements)
• 🏢 Consider forming an LLC for liability protection — consult a CPA or attorney
• 🏦 Open a dedicated bank account for rental income and expenses
• 📊 Set up a simple bookkeeping system for income/expense tracking
• 🪪 Check local rental licensing requirements (some cities require landlord registration)
• 🗺️ Verify the property is zoned for residential rental use
• 📅 Mark key dates: lease end dates, deposit return deadlines, required notice periods

🛡️ Insurance Checklist

• 🔄 Convert homeowner’s insurance to a landlord/dwelling fire policy before tenant moves in
• 💰 Ensure liability coverage of at least $300,000–$500,000 per occurrence
• 🏠 Consider loss of rents coverage in case of covered damage making unit uninhabitable
• 📋 Require tenants to carry renter’s insurance ($100,000+ liability) — include in lease
• 🌊 Consider flood insurance if property is in flood zone

🔧 Property Preparation Checklist

• 🔥 Test every smoke detector — replace batteries or units as needed
• 💨 Install/test carbon monoxide detectors where required
• 🔌 Test every electrical outlet with a plug-in tester
• 💧 Check all plumbing for leaks — under sinks, supply lines, water heater
• 🌡️ Service HVAC system; replace filter
• 🔒 Re-key all exterior locks
• 💡 Replace all burned-out lightbulbs
• 🍳 Test all appliances — every burner, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher
• 🪟 Verify all windows open, close, and lock properly
• 🚪 Verify all door locks and deadbolts function
• 🧹 Professional cleaning throughout
• 🎨 Touch up or repaint as needed
• 📸 Complete pre-tenancy photo documentation (every room, all walls)

🔍 Screening Setup Checklist

• 📝 Write your screening criteria in advance — income ratio, credit standard, eviction policy
• 📋 Prepare a rental application form that includes FCRA authorization language
• 🔍 Select an FCRA-compliant screening service
• 📬 Set up adverse action notice template for denials
• 📂 Create a file for each applicant — application, reports, notes, decision

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📄 Lease Preparation Checklist

• 📋 Obtain a state-specific lease form (not a generic template)
• 📎 Prepare all required addendums — move-in checklist, pet addendum (if applicable), lead paint disclosure
• ⚖️ Verify your late fee and security deposit amounts comply with state law
• 📄 Confirm all required state disclosures are included or attached
• ✍️ Set up electronic signature capability (DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or platform built-in)

📢 Marketing & Showings Checklist

• 📸 Take high-quality listing photos (all rooms, natural light, clean and staged)
• ✍️ Write a complete, fair housing compliant listing description
• 💵 Research comparable rentals and price competitively
• 🌐 Post on Zillow, Apartments.com, and Facebook Marketplace
• 📱 Set up immediate inquiry notification on your phone
• 📋 Pre-qualify applicants before scheduling showings
• 📝 Have applications ready to provide at showings

🔑 Move-In Process Checklist

• 💰 Collect first month’s rent AND security deposit before key handover — both cleared
• 📋 Conduct move-in walkthrough together — complete checklist, note every condition
• 📸 Take move-in photos with date stamps
• ✍️ Both parties sign the move-in checklist; each keeps a copy
• 📄 Provide tenant with: signed lease, move-in checklist, all required disclosures, building rules, utility information, emergency contacts
• 🔑 Document keys handed over (how many, which locks)
• 📱 Exchange contact information
• 📬 Confirm how maintenance requests should be submitted

📅 Ongoing Management Checklist

• 📅 Set calendar reminders for: lease end date, deposit return deadline, required notice deadlines
• 💰 Monitor rent payments — apply late fees promptly and consistently per lease
• 🔧 Respond to maintenance requests within your stated timelines
• 📋 Keep records of every maintenance request, response, and repair
• 📬 Send lease renewal offer 90 days before expiration
• 🏠 Schedule periodic property inspections with proper notice
• 📊 Track income and expenses monthly for tax preparation
• 🔍 Stay current on changes to your state’s landlord-tenant law