Just curious how everyone guarantees they get the move in check list back.

Just curious how everyone guarantees they get the move in check list back. I personally hold the mail key hostage until I get it back. Edit they sign and agree to this!

I print 2... have them sign both at key pick up and send them with a blank one. If they don’t bring it back, I have a signed one indicating nothing is wrong lol

Yep same! One is “as is”- they sign and we shred it when we get the actual one back

Should also clarify that we of course also walk the unit and document if floors are new, etc. But we give them the opportunity to also walk and put in work orders if needed

Walk with them at move in to check the unit. Sign then and there, leasing brings it back for file and they have 48 hours to return a copy.

We do the move in documentation ourselves. I wouldn't trust a tenant to fill it out. We use the inspection suite within our manager software appfolio. Take lots of pictures and notes. Report uploads to the tenant portal. They can sign it if they want but it really doesn't matter if they do or don't sign it

Carbon copy checklist

Be careful with the mail key. Withholding mail is considered a federal offense!

I print 2 copies. One I have them sign at move in by the residents, that says all good across it in big letters. I give them the 2nd copy to complete their inventory within 48 hours. if theirs doesn’t come back they assume all liability of damages - I explain this to them so incentivizes them to ensure to bring it back otherwise they said the unit was perfect. Haven’t had an issue yet. Have done this for 5 years now.

Or I tell them if I don’t get it in 3 days All the wear and tear in the unit currently will be considered your responsibility if you don’t mark it down. They usually get it to me

Yes, write on the checklist “Return in 72hrs” and let them know if it’s not returned then any wear and tear or previous resident damages they can be potentially charged for at move out - this has been Covid only. If you are allowed to do in person move ins, then always always do the move in inspection with them. Every time. Sign then and there.
Had a resident try to say that there was a hole in the bathtub when he moved in. Because we do the move in inspection with them, it was not notated and we charged him. Like how do you put a hole in a bathtub?

We never let them have it. We would go through the apartment with them for the move-in inspection and write down anything they pointed out, or things that were obvious. And tell them if they notice anything else in the next few days to let me know. That way I get it back and they have a small amount of time to tell me about things we may not have touched on during walk through.

Holding the key where I am breaks LL Tenant law.
Don’t you do a move-in inspection with them?

You can’t hold the mail key, you’re then interrupting their mail which is a federal crime.
I have them sign a blank copy and tell them if they do not return a unit condition form that’s filled out, then we charge back damages based on the blank copy.

Just have them sign a blank one that everything is perfect and when they return the one you have them, tear up the blank one! It works and you are not holding their mailbox keys. I just would not suggest that

We use HappyCo app. It sends an invitation via their email with a link to an inspection form. This gives them the opportunity to rate, take pictures, and add comnents. We put a 7 day expiration date on it with the stipulation that if it is not completed in 7 days, we understand that they have no objections or notations to be made on their apartment. Once completed, it automatically attaches the report in their YARDI file.

Why not just give them the keys to the unit once they have returned the move inspection?

I had them sign a blank move in checklist stating they accept the apartment as is. If they turned in the checklist we replaced it.

Is this new? Maybe something being done during COVID-19 only? Or is Customer Service changing so much that Move In inspections are not done by the staff anymore? Our company policy is that the Move In inspection is done by the staff member only. We never give forms to new residents to fill out.

Walk it with them and tell them they have x days to add anything else they find. Makes your team make sure the vacant readies are looking good because they have to go in with them and take ownership of the product you are delivering.

It’s their fault if they don’t return it. I warn them, don’t turn this in, you are fully responsible for “as is”. I’m not chasing people down that can’t help themselves.

Why would it matter if they return it or not? That's their problem. You give it to them and you can email them and follow up that you need it back. If they choose not to do it they're getting charged. There's too many other things to worry about.

Sign two copies at lease signing, a blank one and they take one. You date the blank one for 24-48 hours whatever your policy is...and they have until that day and time to swap out for the one they complete.
If they don’t turn it in, it is assumed everything is good and we go off the blank at move out.

If you're really worried about getting this form back why don't you put a disclosure that says if you don't return it you're otherwise agreeing everything was in excellent condition?

We have the move-in checklist done in the Mobile Doorman app. Super easy