Keys are ready
Hi {{name}}, your unit will be ready on move in day. You can pick up the keys at the office from nine in the morning. Bring a photo ID, and tell me if you need a different time.
Move in and move out texts for landlords: 14 templates
Two days matter more than the rest of a tenancy: the day a tenant arrives and the day they leave. Keys, utilities, a condition checklist, a final walk through and a deposit that arrives on time are where goodwill is won or lost. These 14 messages walk through both ends of the lease in plain words. Each one tells the tenant what happens next and when. Deposit timing and itemizing follow your lease and state law, and the texts say so instead of promising anything. Copy any message, or add all 14 to your keyboard and send them from iMessage, WhatsApp, SMS or Messenger in one tap. It works in any app.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.
Before move in
Utilities reminder
Morning {{name}}, a reminder to set up electricity and internet before you move in, so they are on when you arrive. Tell me if you need the account details for the building.
Moving truck
{{name}}, if you are bringing a moving truck on {{day}}, I will reserve the elevator for you. Reply with the time you expect to arrive.
Move in day
Welcome, it's ready
Welcome, {{name}}. The unit is ready. Text me when you arrive, and I will meet you with the keys.
Condition checklist
Hi {{name}}, please walk through the unit in your first week and note anything damaged or not working on the checklist I sent. Photos help. Send it back by Sunday.
First week check
Hello {{name}}, how is the first week going? If a drawer sticks or a light does not work, tell me and I will fix it.
Before move out
Notice acknowledged
Thank you for the notice, {{name}}. I have noted your move out date. I will send instructions for the final walk through shortly.
Move out checklist
Hi {{name}}, here is what I need before you hand back the keys: remove your belongings, clean the unit, and return all keys. The checklist is in your email.
Final walk through
Would {{day}} work for the final walk through, {{name}}? It takes about twenty minutes, and you are welcome to join.
Move out day and deposit
Forwarding address
{{name}}, please send me the address where I should mail your deposit paperwork. I will use it only for that.
Keys received
Keys received, {{name}}, thank you. I will complete the inspection and send you the move out summary within the time the lease and state law allow.
Deposit statement
Hi {{name}}, your deposit statement is attached. It lists each item and the amount. If you have a question about any line, reply and I will explain.
Deposit returned
Good news, {{name}}: your deposit has been sent today. It should arrive in a few days. Thanks for taking such good care of the place.
Parting thanks
It was a pleasure having you as a tenant, {{name}}. I wish you the best in your next home. If you need a reference, send me a note.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| A few days before move in | Keys are ready | Where, when and what to bring. |
| A week before move in | Utilities reminder | Utilities first. |
| The morning of move in | Welcome, it's ready | Be there. |
| Seven days after move in | First week check | Fix small things. |
| The day a tenant gives notice | Notice acknowledged | Confirm it. |
| A week before move out | Move out checklist | Send the checklist. |
| When the keys come back | Keys received | Close the tenancy. |
| When you send the statement | Deposit statement | Itemized, always. |
Do not say
Keeping a deposit with no itemized list.
Instead: Send an itemized statement within the time your lease and state law allow.
Charging normal wear and tear to the tenant.
Instead: Deduct only for damage beyond normal wear, as the lease and state law permit.
Asking about family plans, employer, religion or origin when handing over keys.
Instead: Ask only what the lease and move in forms need.
Handing over keys before the lease is signed and the money has cleared.
Instead: Meet once the paperwork is done.
Fees that are not in the lease.
Instead: Quote the lease clause, or leave the fee out.
Sending bank details or door codes in a plain text to many people.
Instead: Send sensitive details one on one, and prefer a call or a secure channel.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
What should I tell a new tenant before move in?
Keys and where to pick them up, utilities, the moving day arrangements, the condition checklist and your contact details. The first three templates cover the days before, and the Welcome template covers the day itself.
When do I have to return a security deposit?
Deposit deadlines and itemizing rules differ by state, so follow your lease and your state's statute. The texts here say the statement is coming within the time the law allows and give no date you could miss.
Do these work on the free plan?
Yes, for most of them. 12 of the 14 templates use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. The other 2 use two blanks, and filling both from the keyboard needs Pro, although you can still copy them from this page. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, so the six essentials fit comfortably. Importing all 14 also works, because imports are never blocked and nothing is deleted.
Can I send these on WhatsApp, iMessage or SMS?
Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so the templates work in every app where you type: iMessage, WhatsApp, SMS, Messenger, Instagram and email. Use the app your tenant already answers in.
Is a text enough for the condition checklist?
Use the text to ask the tenant to complete and return it, and keep the signed checklist on file. It protects both of you if a question comes up at move out.