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First-Time Landlord Checklist: 12 Things to Do Before Move-In

By LandlordShark Editorial Team · Published · Last reviewed November 1, 2026

General information, not legal advice

Landlord-tenant rules differ by state and city. Check your local statutes or talk to a licensed attorney before acting. Full disclaimer.

Becoming a landlord is closer to running a small business than owning a spare house. Do the setup work now and the first year goes much more smoothly. Use this checklist before your first tenant moves in.

The checklist

  1. Learn your local rules. Read your state’s landlord-tenant statute and check city or county requirements such as rental registration, licenses, or inspections.
  2. Check your mortgage and HOA. Some loans and associations limit or restrict renting. Confirm before you list.
  3. Get landlord insurance. A standard homeowner policy often does not cover a rental. Ask for a landlord (dwelling fire) policy and confirm it includes liability coverage and loss-of-rent coverage, since some dwelling forms require these to be added.
  4. Consider an LLC. Some landlords hold rentals in an LLC for liability separation. The benefits depend on your state and situation, so talk to an attorney.
  5. Open a separate bank account. Keep rent, deposits, and expenses apart from personal money. It makes taxes and record-keeping much easier.
  6. Prepare the unit. Deep clean, repair anything unsafe, and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If the building was built before 1978, federal law generally requires a lead-based paint disclosure and an EPA pamphlet before the lease is signed (see the EPA’s lead disclosure rule).
  7. Set the rent and terms. Research comparable listings and decide on rent, deposit, pet policy, and lease length.
  8. Use a state-appropriate lease. Start from a lease form designed for your state, and have an attorney review it if possible.
  9. Create your screening criteria. Write them down and apply them to everyone. See our guide to screening tenants.
  10. Plan rent collection. Offer an online payment method so payments are tracked automatically.
  11. Do a move-in inspection. Complete a dated checklist with photos and have the tenant sign. This protects the security deposit.
  12. Set up a maintenance plan. Keep a list of trusted plumbers, electricians, and an emergency contact, and decide how tenants should report issues.

Pro tip

Create a folder for each property with the lease, inspection photos, receipts, and correspondence. Digital is fine. You will be glad you did at tax time or if a dispute comes up.

Budget for the unexpected

Plan for vacancies, repairs, and one-off costs. Many landlords keep a reserve and set aside a percentage of rent each month for maintenance and capital expenses such as roofs and water heaters.

Know when to hire help

If you live far away, own several units, or do not want to handle calls at night, a property manager may be worth the fee, which is commonly a percentage of monthly rent. Interview several, ask about their lease-up and eviction process, and read the management agreement carefully.

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