Property FAQ for your Tenants
When you’re moving into a new home, there are so many small details that you need to know. What day does the garbage go out, how do I, how do I program the thermostat, what sort of lightbulbs do the fixtures take, how do I use this feature on the laundry, etc. How are you introducing your tenants to their new home?
Property FAQ
I keep an electronic document that acts as an FAQ for my tenants. I do this electronically so that they can always refer to it as needed - and I can easily keep it updated. While I’ll usually do a walkthrough and point out different things, I know that it is way too much information to take in. This way there is one place they can go to as a guide for their space.
Here is what I include:
Access Information like keys, security, smart home features
Garbage and Recycling information, including what goes where and what day it goes out
Landlord Access reiterating the information in your lease and outlining more particular examples of emergency access
Mail information including the actual mailing address and location of mailbox
Noise and quiet hours information and the process for dealing with complaints
Utilities and house system information
Appliance manuals (digital of course!)
Rules around parking, pets, guests, looking after the house when away, etc.
Neighbour information
Emergency contact information
Why should you do this?
There are several reasons why I think the FAQ is beneficial. For one, it makes your tenants feel welcome. It limits the amount of questions you have to answer. Giving them access to manuals and other guides ensures they aren’t guessing on how to use something which could lead to added wear and tear. It shows that you want to be a helpful and communicative landlord and furthers sets the tone for the relationship.
So what do you think? Will you be implementing this for your next rental property?
Kierstin Smyth Design
Edmonton Interior Design Consultant