Raleigh , NC · Member since 2012 · 14 posts · 0 votes
Hi,
I usually release the keys and do the walk through 1 day before the lease start and would ask for prorated rent if they want to move in earlier than 1 days? Just wonder how other Landlords do if tenants want to move in few days earlier? Do you charge them or not and do you have to modify the lease?
Thanks,
We sign the lease and give the keys the same day. They are not allowed to move in before the lease starts. If they want to move in early, then we adjust the lease to the day they want to move in and charge them.
You leave your self open to liablity and problems if someone gets hurt or if the property is damaged during this time.
When we sign the lease, they hand over money and I hand over the keys. Its theirs.
Now, if they're supposed to move in on the 1st, and the unit is vacant, I'll usually let them start the lease a few days early. I'll start the lease the day we sign and add statement saying the specific days are free.
OTOH, If its the 15th and they want to sign a least starting on the first, I'll tell them no. I might hold a unit for a week, if they pay a non-refundable hold deposit. For two weeks, I tell them they're approved and any time they want to start the lease they can. But that I will continue to market the property and if someone else is approved and wants to move in right away, I will give them the right of first refusal, as long as they want to move in (and pay) at the same time. That is, if someone else gets approved on the 16th and wants to move in right away, I would give the first applicant the option of signing the lease and paying starting on the 16th. If they choose not to, the second applicant would get it.