Student Housing Move-In Checklist for USA Landlords
Complete checklist for managing student tenancy move-ins, covering co-signers, group liability, academic year leases, and property protection.
Student housing requires special attention to co-signers, group dynamics, and property protection. This checklist ensures compliance and minimizes risks.
Pre-Lease Requirements
Screening and documentation before lease signing
Screen ALL tenants and co-signers
Run credit, background, income verification on every tenant and parent co-signer
Verify co-signer income meets 3-5x rent
Parent co-signers must show $6k-10k monthly income for $2k rent
Run credit check on all co-signers
Require 650+ credit score from parent co-signers
Confirm all tenants are 18+
Minors cannot sign legally binding lease contracts
Execute co-signer addendum
Have co-signers sign separate guaranty agreement stating liability scope
Explain joint and several liability
Ensure all tenants understand they're each responsible for full rent and damages
Property Protection
Protecting property from student damage
Install durable finishes
Use laminate floors, stain-resistant carpet, wipeable paint before move-in
Document property condition with detailed photos
Photograph all rooms, walls, floors, appliances at move-in
Complete move-in inspection checklist
Walk through with all tenants present, have everyone sign checklist
Provide house rules document
Quiet hours 10pm-8am, guest limits, party policy, noise complaint process
Collect proof of renters insurance
Require $150-300/year policy covering tenant belongings and liability
Lease & Legal Compliance
Legal requirements and lease provisions
Use state-specific lease template
Include all required state disclosures (lead paint if pre-1978, mold, bed bugs)
Include noise violation clause
3 noise complaints or police calls = lease violation and eviction grounds
Set Fair Housing compliant occupancy limits
2 persons per bedroom is safe harbor under HUD guidelines
List all tenants with joint and several liability
All tenant names on lease, each responsible for full rent and all terms
Ongoing Management
Managing student tenants throughout lease term
Set up online rent collection
Use ACH/check via Cozy, Buildium - never accept cash (no paper trail)
Schedule regular inspections
Annual or bi-annual with 24-48 hour notice per state law
Document noise complaints in writing
Create paper trail for any lease violations - needed for eviction
Start renewal marketing by February
For August move-in, begin marketing 6 months early to avoid vacancy
Pro Tips
- •Market property December-February for August move-in - early leasing prevents vacancy
- •Allow tenant replacement with screening ($200-500 fee) - inevitable mid-year, better than conflict
- •Require renters insurance proof at signing - reduces liability, covers tenant belongings
- •Include police call clause in lease - 3 noise violations documented = eviction grounds
Related Resources
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