YOU SIGNED YOUR LEASE – WHAT’S NEXT?
By Annie Hawkins of Sovereign Associates Inc.
Keys—It's tempting to ask for your keys when you sign your lease. Still, your signing might be several days before your move-in date. You'll want to give your Super the chance to complete any last details needed to get your apartment ready for your best experience of the space. Landlord protocols vary, and sometimes, they allow keys to be given a few days before your lease starts, while others will allow keys to be received on the day your lease starts. The important thing is that your new apartment is ready before you get your keys because once you have them, you are accepting your apartment as is.
Your Super's Phone Number—Most likely, you will have met your new Super when or before you decided to apply for your apartment, and they are the ones who usually give you the keys. However, a smaller landlord may provide you with keys at the time of your lease signing if your apartment is ready. Your broker will meet you at your walkthrough and key transfer to ensure your move-in start goes smoothly.
Please, please, please do not send items to your new building before you move in. It's not your Super's responsibility to look after your stuff. If you do arrange with your Super to put something aside for you before your move-in date, be sure to acknowledge them and give them the respect they deserve for doing you a favor.
Cleaning Service—Your Sovereign Associates broker will ensure that your new apartment is clean; if, however, you want a deeper cleaning before you move in, they can recommend a professional cleaning service.
ConEd—you'll need to contact ConEd to put the utilities in your name from the day your lease starts. Some landlords require that you show a confirmation of your ConEd account before you get keys.
Your Move-in Days & Times—Your broker will have told you the building's rules about days and times you can move in, and you can also confirm this with your Super. If the building's move-in times are only on weekdays during your work hours, remember to arrange to take that time off with as much notice as possible. Good preparation will make that first step across your new threshold part of an enjoyable and memorable day.
We at Sovereign Associates inc. Wish You A Happy New Year
