college move-in day

With the first day of school around the corner, college towns across the nation are preparing for the mass arrival of students moving into rental housing. If you own a rental property in a college town, there are some important to-dos that you will need to check off your list.

While a lease may begin at any time during the year, rental housing in college towns tends to have most leases start at the same time in late summer or early fall, mirroring the academic calendar of local universities.  For property managers who work in college towns, this means getting ready for hundreds of tenants collecting keys and moving in on the same day.

Developing efficient processes will help ensure move-in day goes smoothly for tenants and management in your student rentals. These tips will help you develop the necessary processes to keep your move-ins as smooth and easy as possible. 

Get Leases Signed In Advance

Getting your property rented out as soon as possible before school starts is critical. Once the term begins, it’s much harder to find tenants. You do not want to risk letting your property sit vacant during prime rent-collecting months. Depending on your market, student housing can get leased well before move-in day. Some college towns sign lease paperwork as early as 6 months before the start of the lease term. 

College students are used to conducting business online and will expect the same from their property managers. This means you should have a great online presence, including advertising online, online rental applications, and offering online lease signing to make the process convenient and efficient for your student rentals.

Turnover Season

Synonymous with back-to-school move-in day is turnover season. With hundreds of tenants vacating their apartments in preparation for new occupants, property managers sometimes have only a week or two to get hundreds of units into make-ready condition. Remind your tenants in advance about move-out expectations, the timeline for vacating their unit, and penalties for leaving a dirty or damaged property. Even though you have a security deposit to cover the cost of damages and cleaning, having your tenants clean and maintain the property throughout the year will make preparing the unit for the next lease easier and less stressful.

Make sure your move-out inspection paperwork is ready for an efficient walk-through, and your cleaning service and maintenance vendors are ready to prioritize your property as needed. To help you through the process, check these tips for a smooth tenant turnover.

Learn more: How Long Does Tenant Turnover Take 

Move-In Day Logistics

Reach out to future tenants a couple of weeks before their lease will begin to remind them of move-in day requirements. Your communication should include what day their lease will start, what tenant funds (if any) are due on move-in day, what time, and where they can pick up the keys to their new home. Student apartment communities should remind future tenants that move-in day will be very busy and their preparation will help the day go smoothly for everyone. You should also remind them to set up utility accounts before moving in.

Be Aware of First-Time Renters

Student housing facilitates a big step for college students transitioning from the dorms into their very first apartment. Their inexperience may mean they require a little extra attention to ensure their success as a tenant at your property.  Put together welcome paperwork that restates property rules and provides tips on how to be a great tenant. Cover topics such as being respectful and responsible towards neighbors, quiet hours, and other similar subjects that a first-time renter might not be aware of. 

First-time renters may also have a parent or two in tow, helping with the move and advocating for the best possible condition of their child’s rental unit. It is important to remember that parents are nervous and excited about their child’s first apartment, and may seem overbearing at times. Be prepared for emails, phone calls, or office visits from concerned parents and develop a plan for how to respond to parent inquiries.

Learn more: The Comprehensive Guide to Tenant Welcome Baskets 

Meet the Neighbors

A great way to encourage positive relationships between your residents is by hosting community events. Capitalize on the excitement of moving to a new apartment and starting a fresh year with fun events for your tenants when they are eager to meet their neighbors. Creating a close community is a great way to retain tenants for future lease terms if they made friends with their neighbors.

Have a Party Plan

After a lifetime with parents, or a year or two in the dorms, students who are moving out on their own for the first time may try to push the boundaries with parties or social gatherings that threaten to damage the property or disrupt your other residents. Stick to your lease and community policies regarding the number of guests and acceptable guest behavior, quiet hours, drinking and drug use, and how common areas may be used. Remind your tenants of your expectations and their legal agreement to uphold policies that encourage safety, accountability, and community respect.

Final Thoughts

Move-in day marks the official beginning of your tenants’ experience with your property. From day one, they will be forming an impression of what it is like to rent from you and live at your property. A smooth move-in day will set the stage for a positive management-tenant relationship, building the foundation for long tenancy and future lease renewals.  

This article was originally published in July 2015 and has since been updated.