Preparing for move-in day

The week before

• Deep-clean the property — it should match the listing photos exactly. Remember: the tenant compares what they see with what they booked, and the first 48 hours determine when you get paid
• Test everything: heating, hot water, Wi-Fi, appliances, every light and lock
• Confirm arrival details with the tenant: date, time, who hands over the keys
• Prepare the contract for signature, consistent with the booking dates and rent
• Cut a spare set of keys if you don’t have one

The handover itself

1. Walk the property together. Show how the heating, washing machine and intercom work. Five minutes of demonstration prevents five weeks of messages.
2. Complete the inventory. Photograph each room and any existing marks, with timestamps. Share the photos with the tenant on the spot so both sides hold the same record — this is your evidence base if you ever need the damage guarantee.
3. Sign the contract and handle the deposit. If you collect a deposit, give a receipt stating amount and return conditions.
4. Hand over the keys — all of them: building, mailbox, storage.

The first 48 hours

After move-in, the tenant has 24 hours to report anything that does not match the listing. Your first payment is released 48 hours after move-in, provided the tenant has not reported any issue. Be reachable during it. A quick “everything OK?” message on day one resolves small issues before they become formal ones.

Settling in

Mid-term tenants are low-touch: they want a working home and a responsive landlord, not a hotel. Agree a preferred contact channel, respond within a day, and the next thing you’ll hear is usually a renewal request — or a booking request from their colleague who’s moving next.