The key difference between a lease start date and a move-in date is that the lease start date is when you officially start paying rent and are responsible for the apartment, while the move-in date is when you actually move in. This article explains these differences, answers common questions about signing the lease, and provides helpful information on when you can move in, when you get your keys, and what to expect with rent payments.
Signing a lease is an exciting event. You’re committing long-term to a residence, and for many, a lease is one of the first steps into adulthood. If you make this commitment, you might hear two terms - lease start date and lease move-in date. What is the difference between these items?
Read on to learn more about the things that set apart the lease start date and move-in date. We’ll talk about everything you need to know before moving into your brand-new space so that you can make the process as simple as possible.
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Lease Start Date vs Move-in Date: Key Differences
Do You Sign the Lease On Move-In Day?
Usually, you do not sign the lease on move-in day. Signing the lease is the final step in renting an apartment, and it means you are committed to the rental for a certain period.
When you find an apartment you love, the first step is to pay a deposit to hold the space. This deposit is legally binding, unlike a verbal agreement. The lease signing comes later, after you submit documentation for approval, such as a background check and proof of income.
While it is not common to sign the lease on move-in day, it can happen. Often, people sign the lease when the apartment officially becomes theirs. After signing, you will need to pay the first month’s rent and the security deposit. Sometimes, the lease is signed first, and then the move-in date is set.
When Can You Move in After Signing a Lease?
When you sign a lease, there should be a specified date that the lease starts. This date is when you begin paying rent. However, it might not be the day that you move in. The second you sign the lease, you should finalize the move-in day. This action will ensure you have a timeline for the process.
A landlord might delay your move-in if any damages need repairing inside the building. Most of the time, landlords aim to move new tenants in as soon as possible after the old tenants leave to keep as much income flow as possible. So you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get inside your new space.
Clarifying your move-in date can also make it easier for you to prepare. You don’t want to find yourself stuck without a place to live in or a home that isn’t ready when you need it to be.
Do You Get Keys When You Sign a Lease?
Most of the time, you get the keys on the day when you move in. For some, this might be the day the lease is signed. For others, it could be a few days or even weeks after the lease is initially signed, depending on the repairs that need to happen.
Landlords often wait to hand out the keys so they can get everything taken care of before the new occupant moves into the space. They also want to avoid squatting, which might happen if a new occupant moves in before paying the first month’s rent.
If you want to see what the place looks like ahead of time, you can always ask the landlord for a copy. Ensure you’re cautious if you do this. Don’t be pushy or rude. When moving, it’s best to stay on the good side of the landlord.
Lease Start Date vs Move-in Date Bottom Line
While your lease start date and move-in date could be the same, it all depends on when you plan on moving into your new home. The key difference is that your lease start date is the day from which you are contractually responsible for the lease, while your move-in date might is the day you will take possession of the apartment.
Lease Start Date vs. Move-In Date FAQs
One of two things could happen if you move in the middle of the month. You might have a rent due date in the middle of the month, or you might have to pay for the remaining days until the first of the month before paying full-time. This rent is called prorated rent, and it fills in the gap until a routine settles in place.
Due upon move-in means that rent is due as soon as you move in. This requirement is put in place to keep people from living inside the space without paying any money. Landlords want a steady stream of income from an occupied area.
Most of the time, rent should be due on the first of the month. This moment is easiest to manage and is required in several states. However, there may be instances where a vacant apartment might cause rent to be due in the middle of the month. This date occurs when a landlord wants to make as much profit as possible off a vacated space. They lose money the longer it sits empty.