Topic: Resident On-Site Transfer Policy?

Hey All! Anyone with a Resident On-Site Transfer Policy they are willing to share? Why someone would want to pack all their stuff and move a few doors down I will never understand, but it's a frequent request for us...Any help is GREATLY appreciated! :silly:

Hi Mary,
Our policy is as follows:

Treat a resident moving within your property like a new move-in.
You may move a resident if:
• The resident has fulfilled their current lease term
• The resident has excellent rental history with you, i.e. pays on time, no complaints, etc. (however, there may be special circumstances, so always discuss with your Regional).
• The apartments they are living in become uninhabitable- CALL your regional manager to discuss your options if this is the circumstance.

To process, and if all above conditions are met:
• Verify the lease agreement for the lease ending date.
• Check for unpaid balances
• All balances must be paid in full prior to the move. This includes utility charges if applicable.
• Walk the current apartment with the resident. If significantly damaged, DO NOT approve the move.
• If the resident has a pet(s), a NEW pet fee must be obtained prior to or on the day of the move. Pet fees cannot be waived or transferred. In addition, a NEW Pet Addendum must be signed for that apartment as well.
• Applicant must complete a new Application (for inventory purposes) and given new receipts.
• Process the new application as required for any new resident. The exception would be the credit report, however, be sure to run a new criminal background check.

Hope this helps!

I love your steps - very thorough! Why don't you charge a Transfer Fee?

Because we still charge a new app fee, new deposit and new admin fee - plus transfers are not eligible for move in specials.

What is the incentive for the resident to do that? I mean, if they have to pay everything all over again, pack and move, then what is their reason to stay there instead of move out altogether? (Other than they love you, of course!)

That's a good question. Most of the time, people are up-sizing or downsizing. Aside from that, I can't really speculate as to why someone would want to take the time and money to move in the same community.

We charge a transfer fee only when it's during a lease term, and we require completion of at least 6 months of that lease. We also require a 12 month commitment in the new unit, and if they're unable to, we charge premiums on anything less than 12 months. We waive app/admin fees but require a new deposit If they transfer at the end of the lease, and we allow them to be eligible to receive the new move in incentives (12 months required)- this does help in retaining good residents and keeps them from looking elsewhere.

Great! Thanks for helpful info!