Getting a tenant approved can feel like the difficult part of renting out a property. In reality, the handover is another important stage where small mistakes can create unnecessary problems later.

A professional move-in process creates a clear record of the property's condition, confirms what the tenant has agreed to and helps both parties start the tenancy with the same understanding.

Here are 10 things landlords should consider before handing over the keys.

1. Make sure the lease agreement is properly signed

Don't rely on a verbal agreement simply because everyone is eager to get the tenant moved in.

The lease should be properly concluded before occupation takes place, with the parties understanding the rental amount, deposit, lease period, responsibilities and other applicable terms.

If you are unsure whether your residential lease covers the important issues, our guide on what a good residential lease agreement should cover is a useful starting point.

2. Confirm that the required money has been received

Before occupation, make sure the agreed financial requirements have been dealt with according to the lease.

This can include the deposit, first rental payment and any other properly agreed charges.

3. Complete the incoming inspection properly

One of the most valuable documents you can have at the beginning of a tenancy is a detailed record of the property's condition.

Walk through the property and document the condition of relevant areas, fixtures, fittings and appliances. Take clear photographs where appropriate.

Don't only photograph the lounge and bedrooms. Look at doors, windows, cupboards, walls, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, electrical fittings and anything else that could become the subject of a disagreement later.

4. Record existing defects — even the small ones

That tiny mark on the wall may seem unimportant today.

Six months later, it may suddenly become part of a disagreement about damage.

Existing defects should therefore be recorded clearly rather than assuming everyone will remember them.

The more accurately the property's starting condition is documented, the easier it becomes to distinguish between pre-existing issues and problems that arise during the tenancy.

5. Take meter readings and establish the utility position

Where applicable, record the relevant meter readings around the time of occupation.

This provides a useful starting point for determining consumption and dealing with utility accounts.

If the property uses prepaid electricity, make sure the tenant understands how the system works and what their responsibilities are under the lease.

6. Make sure the tenant understands the property rules

Many rental disputes begin with something that one party assumed was obvious while the other party understood it differently.

Before handing over the keys, make sure the tenant understands important rules relating to the property.

Depending on the property, these may include pets, parking, refuse collection, access control, gardens, noise, alterations, smoking and body corporate or estate rules.

If there are separate rules that apply to the property, don't simply assume the tenant knows about them.

7. Give the tenant the information they need to live there successfully

A good handover is more than giving someone a bunch of keys.

Consider providing information such as emergency contact details, access procedures, meter information, refuse collection arrangements and instructions for relevant appliances or systems.

The easier you make it for a tenant to understand how the property works, the fewer unnecessary questions and misunderstandings you may have later.

8. Keep your records organised from day one

Landlords often discover the importance of good records only after something goes wrong.

Keep copies of the signed lease, inspection documentation, photographs, payment records, correspondence and relevant notices in an organised system.

Good record keeping is particularly important if you are managing the property yourself.

9. Don't stop screening just because the tenant has moved in

Tenant selection is important, but good property management doesn't end when the tenant receives the keys.

Landlords should continue communicating professionally, keep proper records and deal with issues consistently throughout the tenancy.

If you are still looking for a tenant, our Tenant Screening & Risk Assessment Application can help you approach the screening process more professionally before reaching the handover stage.

10. Make sure renting the property is still the right decision

There is one question landlords should ideally answer before the tenant ever arrives:

Rental income can be attractive, but landlords also need to consider vacancies, maintenance, insurance, rates and taxes, financing costs, management expenses and the risks associated with owning a rental property.

That's why we created the A+ Property Decision Score™.

It helps property owners work through the factors that can influence whether they should sell, rent, keep or wait rather than making the decision based purely on what someone tells them their property could rent for.

The handover is the beginning, not the end

Handing a tenant the keys can feel like the finish line.

From a landlord's perspective, it is actually the beginning of the most important part of the relationship.

A properly prepared lease, a thorough incoming inspection, accurate records and clear communication can make a significant difference to how smoothly the tenancy progresses.

And if you're still deciding whether you want to rent the property in the first place, don't rush the decision.

Property owners should obtain appropriate professional advice regarding their individual circumstances and the legal requirements applicable to their tenancy.