Skip to content
  • Home
GPS Renting – Knowledge Base
Sign In
GPS Renting – Knowledge Base

Owner Handbook

22
  • What Is Included in the Owner Benefit Package?
  • What Types of Inspections Does GPS Renting Perform and When?
  • Fair Housing Practices
  • Seattle Renter’s Handbook Requirement
  • Legislative Update: EHB 1217 – New Compliance Requirements for Landlords in Washington State
  • Everything Tax: What You Need to Know as a Property Owner
  • Rental Application Criteria
  • Resident Screening Process
  • Pet Policy
  • Move-In Inspection and Repair Process
  • Everything Maintenance (For Property Owners)
  • Everything Utilities (For Property Owners)
  • Monthly and Annual Rhythm of Business
  • Onboarding with Existing Residents
  • Unit Turn Process Overview
  • Understanding Normal Wear and Tear
  • Seven Guarantees
  • Owner Onboarding Meet-up Checklist
  • Getting Ready for Your New Resident
  • Getting Your Property Ready for Listing
  • Setting the Rental Price
  • Listing Photos for Your Rental Property

Resident Handbook

11
  • How Do I Update My Lease to Add or Remove a Tenant or Pet?
  • Can I Break My Lease If I’m Buying a Home?
  • What Happens If I Need to Break My Lease Early?
  • What Should I Know About Moving Out?
  • What Do I Need to Know About Renter’s Insurance?
  • What Is Resident Care Package (RCP)?
  • How Do I Use My AppFolio Resident Portal?
  • What Utilities Am I Responsible For and How Do I Set Them Up?
  • How Do I Request Maintenance and Handle Common Home Issues?
  • What Should I Expect Before, During, and After Move-In?
  • How Do I Get in Touch With GPS Renting?
View Categories
  • Home
  • Resident Handbook
  • What Should I Expect Before, During, and After Move-In?

What Should I Expect Before, During, and After Move-In?

3 min read

Moving into your new home is an exciting step, and GPS Renting is here to help make the process as smooth as possible. Most move-ins are done as self-move-ins, supported by clear checklists, automated tools, and your online resident portal. Below is a full overview of everything you need to know before, during, and after move-in.

1. Before Move-In Day #

To ensure everything goes smoothly, please complete the following at least 72 hours before your move-in date:

  • Sign your lease and pay the security deposit and pre-move-in costs via your AppFolio portal.
  • Set up renter’s insurance (refer to your lease for requirements). GPS Renting must be listed as an interested party.
  • Transfer utilities (electricity, gas, and possibly garbage) into your name. Water and sewer typically remain under the owner’s name and will be billed separately. See this guide: Everything Utilities.
  • Email confirmation of both insurance and utility setup to lease@gpsrenting.com.

Failure to complete utility setup before lease start may result in penalties. Unpaid utility bills are subject to a $50 late fee.

2. Move-In Day #

On your lease start date:

  • Lockbox Access: You’ll receive a lockbox code on your move-in day. Retrieve your keys from the lockbox and keep the box safe—you’ll use it again when moving out. A replacement fee of $50 applies if lost. Watch how to use the box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBL61EEGMKU
  • Self Move-In Inspection: You will receive an email with a link to complete your move-in inspection. Submit and sign the inspection report within 48 hours to document the home’s condition.
    • Missing this deadline results in a $150 fee, plus $10 per day until submission.
    • This move-in inspection report is essential to protect you from being charged for pre-existing issues later.
    • If the Move-In Inspection Report is not submitted, the lease agreement will be considered incomplete and not fully executed
  • Rekey Notice: Your home’s locks have been rekeyed for safety. A $179 rekey fee will be deducted at move-out (not applicable in Seattle).

3. After Move-In (First 2 Weeks) #

As you settle in:

  • Report any repair needs via your AppFolio tenant portal. Include photos or videos, and appliance model/serial numbers when possible.
  • We aim to combine repairs into one visit to reduce disruptions.
  • Review this guide: Everything Maintenance

4. First Rent Payment #

On the first day of the following month, your first rent payment is due. We recommend setting up recurring payments through AppFolio for convenience.

5. Mail for Previous Residents or Owners #

You might receive mail addressed to others. If it’s a utility bill, please take care of it. Otherwise, mark it as “Return to Sender.” If excessive mail continues, notify us through your portal—we can follow up with the previous resident.

6. HOA Rules and Expectations #

If your home is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA):

  • Please review the HOA rules and CC&Rs.
  • If you haven’t received them, request access via your AppFolio portal.
  • You are responsible for any fines incurred due to HOA rule violations.

7. Communication and Support #

  • All communication, rent payments, and maintenance requests go through your AppFolio portal
  • If you haven’t received your login, kindly email care@gpsrenting.com

What are your Feelings

  • Happy
  • Normal
  • Sad

Share This Article :

  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
Table of Contents
  • 1. Before Move-In Day
  • 2. Move-In Day
  • 3. After Move-In (First 2 Weeks)
  • 4. First Rent Payment
  • 5. Mail for Previous Residents or Owners
  • 6. HOA Rules and Expectations
  • 7. Communication and Support

Copyright © 2026 GPS Renting. All Rights Reserved.