Giving someone your house keys isn’t the only thing you need to do to rent it out. It’s a business decision that needs careful planning and organisation. If you don’t have a structured landlord checklist, you could miss important steps that protect your investment and your tenants’ rights under the landlord checklist. A proper landlord checklist makes sure that everything goes smoothly and professionally for both parties, from legal paperwork to making clear house rules. What is a landlord checklist? Let’s discuss
basics of Landlord Checklist- Screen Prospective Tenants
Why Tenant Screening Matters
Would you give someone your car keys without first getting to know them? It should be the same when you rent out a home. Risks like not paying rent, damage to property, and future eviction problems can be cut down with a good tenant screening process.
Questions to Ask During the Initial Inquiry
Before setting up a viewing, you should inquire about the potential tenants’ job, salary range, preferred move-in date, and the number of people who will be living there. This is the time to make it clear if you have a pet policy or other rules.
Verify Employment, Income, and Visa Status
Documents You Should Request
Request official documentation such as:
- Recent salary slips
- Employment contracts
- Valid passport and visa copy
This makes sure that your tenant can legally live in the country and has a steady source of income.
How to Cross-Verify Information
Check the documents, don’t just look at them. If the landlord lets you, you can cross-check employment by calling the HR department and using official portals to make sure their visa is still valid.
Check Tenant’s Credit Score and Rental History - Landlord Checklist
Importance of Financial Responsibility
A tenant who has missed rent payments or fought over rent in the past is a red flag. Looking at their credit score and rental history can help you figure out how reliable they are with money.
How to Access Reliable Credit and Rental Data
The credit report of your tenant in Dubai can be obtained from the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB). For rental history, get copies of the lease and references from previous landlords.
Conduct Background and Criminal Record Checks
Keeping Your Property and Community Safe
You’re not only protecting your home but also the safety of your neighbors. By doing a background and criminal check of the tenant, you can be sure that your property doesn’t have any legal or safety issues.
Clarify the Number of tenants and Pet Policies- Landlord Checklist
Avoiding Future Disputes
It’s essential to set a clear policy on how many people are allowed to live on the property and whether pets are permitted. More occupants than agreed can lead to extra wear and tear.
Clear House Rules and Expectations
Setting clear rules about how many people can live on the property and whether pets are allowed is very important. any wear and tear can happen when there are more people than agreed.
Set Clear Maintenance and Repair Responsibilities
Landlord vs Tenant Duties
Make a list of who is in charge of what, whether it’s small repairs like changing light bulbs or bigger problems like plumbing.
Document Everything in Writing
Add a clause to the rental agreement and a separate guide to maintenance. That way, expectations stay reasonable, and arguments don’t happen.
Prepare and Sign the Tenancy Contract- Landlord checklist
Key Clauses Every Contract Should Have
A robust tenancy agreement should mention:
- Rental amount and due dates
- Deposit details
- Occupancy rules
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Exit clauses
Both parties must review and sign this document before possession.
Register the Contract with Ejari (Dubai-specific)
What is Ejari and Why It’s Mandatory
Ejari is Dubai’s official system for registering rental properties. It legalizes rental agreements and is needed to start utility activations, legal disputes, and visa processing.
For every new tenant, the landlord must use Ejari to obtain the rental agreement and get a certificate.
Collect Security Deposit and Post-Dated Cheques
For situations where the tenant damages the apartment or breaks the lease, collecting a security deposit becomes an important part of renting an apartment The deposit is usually equal to 5% of the annual rent for apartments that aren’t furnished and 10% of the rent for apartments that are. It’s important to be responsible for these funds by keeping them separate from personal accounts and giving them back to the tenant at the end of the lease term, there can be a deduction for repairs or unpaid rent. doing this not only keeps your investment safe but also helps you build trust with your tenant.
Conduct a Pre-Move-In Inspection
Items to Include in Your Inspection Checklist
- Walls and paint
- Flooring condition
- Appliances
- Water supply and plumbing
- Electricity points and fixtures
Taking Photos and Videos for Records
Keeping records of the property’s condition protects both you and the tenant in case someone later makes a false claim.
Change Locks and Test Safety/Utility Systems
Why This Should Never Be Skipped
By changing the locks, you make sure that people who have an old key, like former tenants or maintenance crews, can’t get into your home. To avoid early complaints, check the smoke alarms, water heaters, and air conditioners.
Provide a Tenant Welcome Pack
What to Include in a Welcome Pack
- Tenancy contract copy
- DEWA account details
- Appliance manuals
- Emergency contact numbers
- A small welcome gift (optional)
It’s a simple gesture that leaves a positive, professional impression.
Ensure DEWA Activation and Utility Setup
How to Help Your Tenant Set Up Essentials
Help your tenant set up their DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) account by using their Emirates ID and Ejari certificate. A smooth setup of utilities means there are no surprises on the day tenants move in.
Conclusion
A well-thought-out landlord checklist isn’t an extra that you don’t have to do, it’s your first line of defense against damage to your property, making sure your tenants are happy, and following the law. You’ll save a lot of trouble and money by taking care of everything, from screening tenants to handing over the keys. Also, your tenants will appreciate how easy and professional the process is, which could lead to longer leases and referrals from other tenants.
Often Asked Questions (FAQs)
A landlord checklist is a step-by-step plan that makes sure all the legal, financial, and property management tasks are done before a house is rented out.
You can check your tenant’s background by making sure they have a job, looking at their credit and rental history, doing background checks, and talking to them in person.
Ejari makes rental agreements legal in Dubai, which means they can be used for things like getting utilities, settling disputes, and applying for visas.
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