BEFORE TENANTS MOVE-IN

Here’s a simple but useful tip for managing rental properties more efficiently:

Before a tenant moves in, take clear photos of the model numbers and serial numbers of all major appliances.

Why?

Because when an appliance stops working, the repair process often looks like this:

The tenant reports the problem.

The broker or property manager contacts the service center.

The service center asks for the model number.

The broker asks the tenant to send a photo of the sticker or label.

The tenant tries to find it, take a photo, and send it back.

That one missing detail can delay the repair by several days.

It sounds simple enough to ask the tenant for a photo, but in real life, it is not always convenient. The sticker may be behind the unit, under the appliance, inside a tight space, or mounted somewhere difficult to reach. For air-conditioning units, the label may even require a ladder to access.

Sometimes the tenant is also busy, traveling, or not frequently at the property.

The easy fix: document everything during the inventory process before turnover.

Take photos of the model numbers and serial numbers of appliances such as:

Air-conditioners

Water Heater

Rangehood

Cooking range

Refrigerator

Washer and dryer

Save the photos in the property file/inventory list.

It is a small step, but it can make repairs faster, reduce back-and-forth, and make property management much smoother.