5 Essential Rental Property Forms
where does one start?
In this day and age, there is a form to cover every possibility in the rental property business. From pet leases to utility sharing agreements, everyone will agree "it's best to always get it in writing". Making sure that all of the rules are clear before a tenant moves in leads to fewer disagreements and a cooperative landlord/tenant relationship. These signed documents can also protect the landlord if a substandard tenant should slip under their radar and take up residence.
If you are just starting out with one rental property, there are 5 essential rental property forms that you should have on hand before you start to look for a tenant.
APPLICATION FORM - This is the first form that a prospective tenant will fill out for you during the first meeting if they are interested in renting from you. It covers the personal information of all the people that will be living there including their employment history, credit information and rental history. The best part of the application form is that it allows you to do a credit and criminal background check of a prospective tenant.
INSPECTION REPORT - This is filled out before the tenant moves anything into your dwelling and again when they are ready to move out before you return their security deposit. There is a checklist for each room and describes the condition of each item on the list. I always back this form up with dated photos of the property and have the tenant sign both.
TENANT LEASE AGREEMENT - This is the meat and potatoes of all rental property forms. It outlines the rent, security deposit, length of stay and also lays out all the rules and regulations of living in your property. You can start out with a generic form which can be changed and revised to suit your specific needs or you can use one from an experienced landlord. I like this option because it will already be much more specific based on the landlord's previous experiences and you can still modify it as required.
DEPOSIT AGAINST RENT - Once you have done all of your investigating and decided on a great tenant, it's time to get a deposit to hold the place until move in day. This form is simply a receipt for that amount and also sets out what is still required as far as security deposit and rent before they take possession.
LANDLORD CHECKLIST - Owning rental properties is a business and in order to run a successful business, you need to keep yourself organized. I created a landlord checklist that I use for each new tenant moving in to my properties. It reminds me of all the things I need to do including property fix ups, tenant checks and everything from moving in to moving out. I find this tool invaluable as I never miss a thing and it starts my relationship with my tenant out on the right foot.
These forms will get you started in your rental property business and should be considered your "core package" that you use for everyone. Depending on your needs or as your business continues to grow, you can introduce more forms to your repertoire. These might include utility agreements, garage leases, notices to enter the premises or eviction notices.
written by Shannon Pineau
When you're a new landlord just starting out in the rental property business, there is an enormous amount to learn in order to be successful. I've spent years buying and managing rental properties and building my skills as a great landlord. I love to teach new landlords the ropes and I would be happy to help you build your wealth through investment real estate.
For an all-in-one, step by step guide to help you buy your first rental property, check out Shannon's eBook "How to Buy and Manage Your First Rental Property" on her website or through Amazon.
