{"id":54,"date":"2026-06-20T08:34:26","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T08:34:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/?p=54"},"modified":"2026-06-20T08:34:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T08:34:26","slug":"what-happens-after-you-approve-a-new-housemate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/?p=54","title":{"rendered":"What Happens After You Approve a New Housemate?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a new housemate moves in, most people focus on getting the paperwork signed and collecting the money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those items are certainly important, but I have learned that the move-in process sets the tone for the entire relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A well-organized move-in helps the new housemate feel welcome, reduces misunderstandings, and makes it more likely that they will become a successful long-term member of the household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the years, I have developed a simple move-in process that has worked very well for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I start out by having the tenant read the contract and ask any questions they might have. After we both sign it, I give the tenant a copy and I keep the original.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first month\u2019s rent and security deposit must be in a cashier\u2019s check, money order or cash \u2013 no personal checks. You could also use Venmo, CashApp or Zelle if you have their app on your phone already. It is important to collect this first payment from a guarantee source. I do this because I do not want to find out a week later after they have moved in that the check didn\u2019t clear. They can pay with a personal check for their regular rent payments. After I have collected the rent and security deposit I give them a written receipt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next item would be to go over the House Etiquette Guidelines one by one with the new housemate. I answer any of their questions or concerns and then have them sign the document. I give them a signed copy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Preparing The Bedroom<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I want to emphasize that this is the room where your housemate will be spending 90% of their time. Make sure it is spotlessly clean and fresh smelling. I start by opening the windows (weather permitting) to let fresh air in. Here\u2019s my cleaning check list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clean the room thoroughly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vacuum or mop the floor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure the bed is clean and made<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide clean linens<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empty drawers and closet space<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check light bulbs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test ceiling fan or lamp<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure the door lock works<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check smoke detector, if applicable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove personal items<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure the room smells fresh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have the Wi-Fi information ready<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have the bedroom key ready<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I recommend using one of those plug in air fresheners, but put it on low. You don\u2019t want the scent to be overpowering. I usually remove them prior to a housemate moving in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Emergency Contact Information And Door Code<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I provide them with a card that contains all my contact information so they can reach me at any time in case of an emergency. On the card I include the house entry code along with instructions on how to use it. I strongly recommend using a digital lock because you will be changing the access code after every tenant leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tour of The House and Property<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To start with, I like to introduce our new housemate to the others if they happen to be home. I have found that introducing new housemates to the existing household reduces awkwardness and helps people become comfortable more quickly. Even if the introduction only lasts a few minutes, it helps everyone put a name with a face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now it is time for a tour of their new home. I usually start with the kitchen. I show them the cabinet space I have reserved for them to store their food. I show them what sections of the refrigerator they can store their food and beverages. If you can accommodate a second refrigerator for your guests that\u2019s great. I do, but don\u2019t worry about it if you don\u2019t. &nbsp;I can tell you, from my experience, many of my housemates cook very little (unless you consider microwaving chicken tenders and tater tots cooking), so they store very little food in their cabinets or refrigerator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, I show them the laundry area and explain how the washer and dryer operate and where the laundry detergent is kept. I supply the laundry detergent, but that\u2019s up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next up is my backyard. My housemates love my patio (a comfortable spot for smokers to use) and my backyard. I show them the gas BBQ and the fire pit. You may have a small backyard without any amenities, but, remember, apartments don\u2019t come with backyards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bathroom Storage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I show them where to keep towels, toiletries, and other personal items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thermostat \/ Heating and Air<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I explain how heating and air conditioning settings are controlled by the Landlord. Any thermostat changes should be discussed with the Landlord rather than adjusted randomly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mail and Packages<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I explain how mail and packages are handled and where deliveries should be placed. This prevents confusion and helps ensure everyone receives their mail promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Trash and Pickup Day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I explain where the trash containers are located and what day trash is picked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I show them where to park and explain any parking limitations. Parking may seem minor, but it can become an issue quickly if everyone is not clear about where vehicles belong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The move-in process is about much more than collecting rent and handing someone a key. It is your first opportunity to establish expectations, answer questions, and make a new housemate feel comfortable in their new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few extra minutes spent explaining the house, reviewing the rules, and introducing people can prevent misunderstandings later. I want every new housemate to start with a positive experience. In my opinion, a smooth move-in process is one of the best investments a live-in landlord can make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When a new housemate moves in, most people focus on getting the paperwork signed and collecting the money. Those items are certainly important, but I have learned that the move-in process sets the tone for the entire relationship. A well-organized move-in helps the new housemate feel welcome, reduces misunderstandings, and makes it more likely that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-54","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=54"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84,"href":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54\/revisions\/84"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=54"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=54"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/liveinlandlordguide.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=54"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}