Moving can feel like a lot. Packing boxes, transferring utilities, double-checking every detail. Whether you’re just moving into your new Mesa Properties home or preparing to move out, understanding the process helps make everything a lot simpler and stress-free.
At Mesa Properties, we’ve built our move-in and move-out procedures to be clear, efficient, and fair for every tenant. This guide walks you through what to expect, what to prepare, and how to ensure your home is left in great shape when it’s time to go.
Key Takeaways
Mesa Properties provides a clear, documented move-in and move-out process to protect both tenants and owners.
Reviewing the rental criteria and completing the inspection checklist helps tenants avoid disputes later.
Proper cleaning, maintenance, and communication ensure a full and timely security deposit refund.
Tenants can find available homes in the High Desert and Inland Empire at Mesa Properties Homes for Rent.
Getting Ready for Move-In
Before you pick up your keys, you’ll want to review a few important steps that set the foundation for a great rental experience.
Review the Rental Criteria
Mesa Properties has transparent rental standards that ensure all applicants understand expectations before moving in. Take a few minutes to review the Rental Criteria here. It covers income verification, credit requirements, and background standards; all designed to protect both you and the property.
Pay Your Move-In Funds and Sign Documents
The security deposit must be submitted within 24-48 hours of being approved for the home. One full month’s rent must be paid on or before the move-in date. These initial payments must be in certified funds but after that the online portal makes it easy to handle everything securely and efficiently. Once your lease is signed, payments are verified, utilities are in your name and you provide proof of renter’s insurance you’ll be ready to move in.
Set Up Utilities Early
Before your move-in date, contact the utility providers to get service turned on in your name. We will provide you with their contact information shortly after you drop off the security deposit and sign the lease. Set up service under your name so everything is running when you arrive. Don’t forget water, gas, electricity, and internet service.
Move-In Checklist
This checklist helps ensure your home is ready and that any pre-existing conditions are properly documented.
Pay Rent and Security Deposit: We require a full month of rent and the security deposit to be paid in certified funds. The security deposit must be paid within 24-48 hours of being approved for the home and the first month’s rent can be paid anytime before you move-in.
Verify ID: We require all adults listed on the lease to verify their ID in person with us before you move-in. You can do this Monday-Friday between 9:00am-5:00pm at our office in either Upland or Victorville.
Provide Proof of Renter’s Insurance: All Mesa tenants must provide proof of renters insurance in the minimum amount of $100,000 liability with Mesa Properties listed as an additional interest. If you are on the Resident Benefit Program, this is handled for you seamlessly.
Sign Move-In Inspection: Before you move-in, we will visit the property (no need for you to be there) and complete a thorough move-in inspection. We’ll ask you to sign this inspection before taking possession of the home. Keep in mind, you have 10 days after you move-in to submit photos of anything that wasn’t captured in the inspection. This documentation is key to protecting your security deposit when you move out.
Move-In: Once you finish steps 1-4, and you’re ready to move-in we will text you a link to a lockbox as well as a custom video to welcome you to your home and show you where the safety features are located. You can move-in anytime. No need to meet us on-site!
Test Appliances and Fixtures: Check that all lights, appliances, and plumbing fixtures are working properly. If you notice anything not functioning as expected, submit a maintenance request through your tenant portal right away.
Review Safety Features: Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and door locks. Mesa Properties maintains these systems before move-in, but confirming they’re in working order is always a good idea.
Familiarize Yourself With The Online Portal: The online portal is where you can submit future rent payments, maintenance requests, and review copies of signed documents and HOA rules and regulations.
Review Lease Terms Again: Take note of maintenance responsibilities, pet policies, and any property-specific guidelines. Knowing what’s expected from day one helps avoid misunderstandings.
Maintaining Your Home During Your Lease
Mesa Properties believes in keeping homes in great condition throughout your tenancy. Our maintenance systems are designed to handle issues quickly and efficiently.
Routine Maintenance: Handle small upkeep tasks like changing air filters, replacing light bulbs, and keeping the property clean and safe. If you’re on our Resident Benefit Program, you’ll receive an air filter in the mail every 3 months.
Reporting Repairs: Use your tenant portal to report non-emergency maintenance requests anytime. This ensures fast tracking and proper documentation.
Emergency Maintenance: For urgent issues, such as a burst pipe or a major electrical problem, call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or property. Once you are safe, give us a call at (760) 713-6690. Also, submit a maintenance request in your online portal to expedite the process.
Maintaining consistent communication keeps your home in good shape and ensures repairs are handled quickly.
Preparing for Move-Out
When it’s time to move on, a smooth move-out process helps you recover your full security deposit and leaves the property ready for the next resident. Mesa Properties provides detailed move-out instructions before your lease ends, but here’s an overview of what to expect:
Give Proper Notice
Your lease outlines how much notice you must provide before vacating, usually 30 days. Submit your notice in writing through your tenant portal and confirm your move-out date with the property manager.
Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Before your final inspection, make sure the home is thoroughly cleaned and returned to its original condition. This typically includes:
Professionally cleaning all carpets.
Professionally cleaning the home, appliances, windows, cabinets, bathrooms, showers, toilets, etc.
Removing all trash, personal belongings, and debris from the home and yard.
Repairs and Touch-Ups
Normal wear and tear is expected, but damages beyond that may be deducted from your deposit. Fix holes in the walls, replace missing light bulbs, and ensure the property is in good working order.
If you’ve painted walls or made any modifications during your tenancy, check with Mesa Properties before restoring them to their original color or condition.
Also, if you’re responsible for landscaping, make sure the yard is in good condition before turning possession back over to Mesa.
Pre-Move-Out Inspection
We will send you a notice of right to pre-move-out inspection. This happens no more than 2 weeks before you move-out. The purpose of this inspection is to notify you of any damages so that you know what to repair/clean to get your full deposit back.
Move-Out Day
On your move-out day, please place all keys, remotes and devices in a bag or envelope and drop them off at our office. Keep in mind, you’re charged rent until your 30 day notice expires or until you drop off keys, whichever is later. Even if you’re all moved out, you’re still responsible for rent until keys are returned.
Security Deposit Return
Security deposits are typically processed and returned within the 21 day timeframe required by California law, with a full accounting and before and after photos provided if any deductions are made.
FAQs
How much notice do I need to give before moving out?
Most leases require at least 30 days’ written notice. Check your lease agreement or contact your property manager for confirmation.
Do I have to be present for the pre-move-out inspection?
It’s not required, but many tenants prefer to attend. It allows you to walk through the home with the property manager and address any questions on the spot.
When will I get my security deposit back?
Mesa Properties typically processes security deposits within 21 days of move-out, following California law.
What if something breaks during my tenancy?
Submit a maintenance request through your tenant portal. Mesa Properties will handle repairs promptly and coordinate with you for scheduling.
Can I make changes to the property, like painting a room?
Always request written approval first. Unauthorized changes can affect your security deposit.
Keeping the Process Smooth
Moving in or out doesn’t have to be stressful. Mesa Properties’ structured process, clear communication, and online tools make every step easy to navigate. By completing checklists, keeping the home clean, and reporting maintenance needs promptly, you’ll enjoy a seamless rental experience from start to finish.
Mesa Properties is proud to serve tenants across the High Desert and Inland Empire, providing quality homes, reliable maintenance, and professional service at every stage of your lease.
If you’re looking for your next home in the region, explore our current listings at Mesa Properties Homes for Rent and find a place you’ll love coming home to.
