Move-In Guide for Residents

Welcome to Rentals America! We’re excited to help you get settled into your new home.

Moving comes with plenty of details, so we’ve put together this guide to make the process as simple as possible. From setting up utilities and receiving your keys to understanding maintenance requests and your Resident Portal, you’ll find the information you need right here.

Please review the information below before your move-in date to help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Looking for a quick reference? Jump to the Move-In Checklist.

Move-In Checklist

Before receiving your keys, please make sure you have completed the following:

• Sign Your Lease: Complete your lease agreement and all required documents.
• Pay Move-In Funds: Make sure all required payments have been received.
• Set Up Utilities: Arrange for required utilities to be active by your lease start date.
• Confirm Utility Setup: Register through the Move with Citizen portal and upload your utility confirmations.
• Review Community Rules: Familiarize yourself with any applicable HOA or community requirements.
• Confirm Move-In Arrangements: Coordinate your move-in appointment or access instructions with your property manager.
• Have Your ID Ready: Bring a valid photo ID for verification.

After You Receive Your Keys:

• Review Your Move-In Inspection: Inspect your home and report any previously undocumented damage or defects in writing within seven (7) days of your lease start date.

Completing these steps on time helps avoid delays and makes your move-in experience smoother.

Setting Up Utilities

All required utilities must be connected in your name by the start date of your lease.

To make this easier, we’ve partnered with Citizen Home Solutions, a free utility setup service that helps residents coordinate electricity, water, gas, internet, and other services.

You have two options:

• Done For You: Work with a dedicated concierge who can help coordinate your utility connections.
• Do It Yourself: Set up services yourself through the online platform or directly with utility providers.

Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll need to register through the Move with Citizen portal and upload confirmation that your required utilities have been established. This allows our team to verify that services are active before releasing your keys.

Set Up Your Utilities – Move with Citizen

Paying Your Move-In Funds

All required move-in payments must be completed before keys can be released. We accept approved payment methods, including:

• Online payments through your Resident Portal
• Cashier’s checks
• Money orders
• Bank bill pay

We do not accept cash or personal checks. If paying by cashier’s check or money order, please make it payable to Rentals America.

Tip: Allow sufficient time for payments to be received and processed before your scheduled move-in.

Resident Benefits Package

Your Resident Benefits Package (RBP) provides valuable benefits and protections designed to make renting easier and provide additional peace of mind.

The package includes resident liability protection, limited personal property coverage, and other benefits outlined in your lease.

To learn more about what’s included, coverage details, and available benefits, visit our Resident Benefits Package page.

Receiving Your Keys

Your property manager will coordinate the key pickup or access arrangements for your new home.

At least one resident named on the lease must be present for the move-in appointment and provide a valid photo ID for verification.

Keys or access instructions will be provided once all move-in requirements have been satisfied. Please do not schedule movers or deliveries before your access arrangements have been confirmed.

Your Move-In Inspection

Before you move in, Rentals America conducts a move-in inspection to document the condition of your new home.

We encourage you to walk through the property when you receive your keys and carefully review its condition. If you notice any existing damage or defects that weren’t documented during our inspection, please notify your property manager in writing.

You have seven (7) days from the start of your lease to report any additional damage or defects. Under your lease agreement, damage or defects not documented during the move-in inspection or reported in writing within this period will be presumed to have occurred during your tenancy.

We recommend taking photos of any concerns and keeping a copy of your written communication for your records. Documenting the property’s condition at move-in helps protect everyone and avoid misunderstandings when it’s time to move out.

Something Not Working?

If you discover a maintenance issue during move-in, please report it promptly through your Resident Portal.

For urgent maintenance issues, call our main office at 520.441.2817. After hours, follow the prompts to reach our emergency maintenance team. Please don’t wait until the end of the seven-day inspection period to report an issue that requires attention.

Your Resident Portal

Your Resident Portal is one of the easiest ways to manage your rental home. You can use it to:

• Make rent payments
• Submit maintenance requests
• Access important documents
• Review account information
• Find available community documents

Access Your Resident Portal

We encourage you to become familiar with the portal early in your tenancy.

Paying Rent

Your lease agreement specifies your monthly rent, any additional recurring charges, and when payments are due. For convenience, you can make payments through your Resident Portal.

We recommend setting up a recurring payment to help avoid missed or late payments. Please review your payment settings carefully and keep your payment information up to date.

Maintenance Requests

For routine maintenance issues, submit a request through your Resident Portal. When submitting a request, please provide a clear description of the problem and include photos whenever possible. This helps us understand the issue and coordinate repairs more efficiently.

For urgent maintenance concerns, call our office directly at 520.441.2817. After hours, follow the prompts for emergency maintenance assistance. Please do not rely on routine portal requests for emergencies.

Property Inspections

Our team performs routine property inspections to help monitor the condition of the home and identify potential maintenance concerns. We’ll contact you in advance to coordinate access in accordance with your lease and applicable law. These inspections help us maintain the property and address concerns before they become larger problems.

HOA and Community Rules

If your home is located within a homeowners association (HOA), you’re responsible for following applicable community rules and regulations. These may include restrictions involving parking, trash containers, landscaping, exterior decorations, and other community standards.

Please review any HOA rules or community documents provided to you. If you have questions about applicable requirements or need help locating community information, contact your property manager. Following community rules helps avoid violations, fines, and unnecessary issues during your tenancy.

Keep Your Contact Information Updated

Good communication makes everything easier. Please make sure we have current phone numbers and email addresses for all residents and notify your property manager whenever your contact information changes. This helps us reach you promptly regarding maintenance, inspections, and other important matters.

• Can I Move In Before My Lease Start Date?

  You may only take possession of the home once your lease has begun and your property manager has authorized access. Any early move-in arrangements must be approved in advance.

• What If My Utilities Aren’t Connected?

  Required utilities must be established before keys can be released. If you’re having difficulty arranging service, contact your property manager as soon as possible.

• What If I Find Damage After Moving In?

  Rentals America conducts a move-in inspection to document the property’s condition. If you discover existing damage or defects that weren’t documented during our inspection, please notify your property manager in writing within seven (7) days of your lease start date. Include photos whenever possible. Under your lease agreement, damage or defects not documented during the move-in inspection or reported in writing within this period will be presumed to have occurred during your tenancy.

• Can I Change the Locks?

  Please contact your property manager before changing, replacing, or adding locks or other access devices. Any changes must comply with your lease and applicable requirements.

• How Do I Report Maintenance Problems?

  Submit routine maintenance requests through your Resident Portal. For urgent issues, call our main office and follow the emergency prompts if calling after hours.

• Where Can I Find My Lease and Other Documents?

  Your lease and other available documents can be accessed through your Resident Portal.

• Who Should I Contact If I Have Questions?

  Your assigned property manager is your primary point of contact. You can also reach our main office at 480-374-5500.

We know moving can be stressful, and our goal is to make the transition into your new home as smooth as possible.

Your property manager and the Rentals America team are here to help with questions, maintenance concerns, and other matters related to your tenancy.

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and hope you enjoy your new home!

Welcome home!
The Rentals America Team

Questions? Contact your property manager or call 520.441.2817.