New Tenant requests, what is ok?

Question

New tenant requesting locks be changed and also that the carpets get steam cleaned prior to moving in.

Are these typical requests? I already have depsoit in hand and move in is scheduled for the 31st.

Thanks in advance!

James Wise · Answer

Did you change the locks after the last tenant moved out? If not you should. You need to change locks between every single tenant. As for the carpets same thing. They should be cleaned or if need be replaced between every tenant.

Katie Stewart · Answer

I think those are very reasonable requests! As the others have said, you should be cleaning the carpets and changing the locks in between each tenant. You never know who has a key to your property and nobody wants to move into a property with dirty carpet.

Linda S. · Answer

@Mike Abbate,

Yes, locks need to be changed with every tenant.   You never know how many keys they made, or gave out.

Steaming the carpet-- I'd say this should have been done already.  Rent is  steam cleaner from Home Depot, shouldn't be expensive and will make it look 100x better.

Mike Abbate · Answer

Great info, thanks!

Brian R. · Answer

I change locks between every tenant.  You don't know who the last tenant gave a key to.  Go with something like what is avalible at www.landlordlocks.com, and you can change all the locks in about 5 minutes or less.

I require the previous tenants to have the carpet steam cleaned before they move out by a company of their choice and provide a copy of the reciept to me, otherwise I charge them to have it done through their deposit.  I replace the carpet every five years though, and don't require it if is being replaced though.