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Did you know your lease start date vs. move-in date don’t have to be the same? In fact, they can often be different, depending on the various factors agreed upon by you and your landlord.
Our Moving Help® guide will explain the differences between the lease start date and the move-in date, why the dates might align or differ, the pros and cons of each scenario, tips for negotiating a lease start date, and practical advice for a smooth move-in day.
Defining Lease Start Date and Move-in Date
Before you decide on whether to move in on the same day or after your lease begins, you need to understand the different terms and what they mean.
Lease Start Date
The lease start date is the official first day of a lease term. When you rent an apartment, this will be the first day your lease begins with your landlord. Your first day can be the same day you start paying rent for your apartment.
A tenant can begin using the property while paying rent to the landlord.
Move-in Date
The move-in date refers to the specific date a tenant can begin occupying the rental unit in the agreement between the landlord and the tenant.
A move-in date can be the same day as the lease start date or a different day as the lease start date. You won’t be able to move until you’ve paid your security deposit and/or rent first.
Typically, most tenants choose their own move-in dates.
Some landlords might have specific moving in days though, which is why it’s important to ask.
Why the Lease Start Date and Move-in Date May Differ
Your lease start date vs. move-in date might be different for several reasons. The property or unit might need some preparation. The landlord might have a scheduling conflict. A tenant might have a scheduling conflict or choose to move in later.
Property Preparation
Your move-in date might be later because of property preparation. Your landlord might need some time in between when the previous tenant leaves and before you move into the same space. A landlord will want to make sure a deep clean is completed before you move into the space.
A landlord also might need to make last-minute repairs or fixes to your apartment or rental property before the move-in date.
If this were to happen, your landlord should make it clear ahead of time, but you also should make sure there won’t be any conflicts.
Landlord Scheduling Conflicts
Your landlord might have a scheduling conflict that requires you to have a different lease start date vs. move-in date. For example, the elevator might be reserved for the same time or date you want to move into your new space.
The landlord might be away, or the office might be closed that day, so you can’t receive your keys for your unit. Finally, some landlords might only allow you to move in on certain days of the week.
Tenant Scheduling Conflicts
You, the tenant, might have a scheduling conflict. If you’re moving from one state to another state or country such as Canada, you might need more travel time. Your travel plans could get delayed as well.
Another example is a tenant could have work/job obligations, so they might only be able to move in on the weekends or a specific weekday.
You also might choose to receive your keys and complete an inspection — by yourself or with your landlord — and then move in the following day.
Having a different lease start date vs. move-in date for a landlord or tenant usually is no massive deal, but you also should make sure this is clarified prior to signing a lease. You don’t want to be surprised later.
Pros and Cons of Moving in on the Lease Start Date
We’ll discuss the pros and cons as to why you may or may not want your move-in date to be the same day as your lease start date.
Pros
- The first obvious pro is you get to immediately occupy and use the property the same day you’re paying for apartment/house/unit.
- You get the convenience of moving from one lease to another lease if they end and start on the same day.
- You can start fresh in your new space on the very first day and get to work right away unpacking your belongings.
Cons
- The property might not be ready for you to move in on the first day your lease begins.
- You might have trouble receiving the correct keys or getting all the keys you need for your rental property.
- If something goes wrong, you might have to cancel full-service movers, friends and family, or anyone else who planned to help you that day.
Pros and Cons of Moving in After the Lease Start Date
We’ll discuss the pros and cons as to why you may or may not want your move-in date to be after your lease start date.
Pros
- It’ll allow time to ensure the property is ready for you to move in and any issues are addressed ahead of time.
- Moving in at a later date allows you to take your time completing a property inspection and make any preparations prior to moving in all your belongings.
- It’ll reduce stress and potential moving logistical complications. If you can move in later, you can choose when you need to hire packing help or loading or unloading help.
Cons
- The first con of having your move-in date after your lease start date begins is you’ll pay rent without immediate use of the property.
- You might need temporary accommodation if you’re moving from one lease to another lease that’s in a different location.
- You might have to pay rent for two different locations to have some overlap for when you can move to your new home.
Negotiating a Lease Start Date
Odds are your landlord won’t care whether your lease start date vs. move-in date are the same day or different. You might find a landlord, however, who does care whether they’re the same day or different days. In this case, you should be prepared to negotiate the dates.
Discuss the Possibility
If you need your lease start date and move-in date to be the same day or a different day, you can ask your landlord whether that’s a possibility.
This will give you a clear, straightforward answer right away. You’ll know whether you need to negotiate with them in the future.
Benefits of Negotiation
If you need to negotiate the dates, you’ll want to conduct your own personal research first.
Next, you’ll want to discuss the benefits for you and your landlord as to why it’ll be best for both parties to have the lease start date and move-in date on the same day or on a different day.
Tips for Negotiation
- Conduct your research.
- Be polite and considerate.
- Never raise your voice, even if you don’t get your way.
- At the end of the day, if your dates must be the same or different, and your landlord won’t compromise with you – you can walk away from signing the lease.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Move-in
Below are four practical tips on how you can create a smooth move-in for your new home.
1. Scheduling Movers
Why try to find full-service movers who’ll cost you a fortune? You can hire moving labor from the Moving Help Marketplace. You can find affordable moving labor in your area for your loading and unloading needs. After booking them, they’ll contact you within 24 to get all the details about your move.
Do you need another moving labor assistance? Find out the other services that Service Providers from the Moving Help Marketplace offer to customers.
2. Inspecting the Property
You should inspect the property prior to moving into your space. You should conduct a walk-through inspection with your landlord. If your landlord wants you to complete it on your own, make sure you take note of any preexisting conditions.
Additionally, you should take pictures and videos of everything in case you have a dispute about damages with your landlord when your lease is about to end. Protect your future self from potential headaches with this simple step.
3. Communicating With the Landlord
Your communication skills with your landlord will be key to creating a good relationship with them. Some tips include:
- Discussing any items that need to be taken care of prior to moving into your new space.
- When to collect keys for your home and/or gate.
- Whether you need to reserve the elevator.
- Where you can park your U-Haul truck rental or U-Box storage container.
- Anything you should be aware of from your landlord on move-in day.
4. Backup Plans
Even with the best laid out plans and schedules, sometimes your day can go haywire. You should have backup plans and a contingency on what to do in case delays pop up on moving day. For example, who should you contact if your key doesn’t open your home? Another example could be if someone parks in your space, who do you contact?
Find Your New Rental Home Today
Sometimes it’s beneficial to have your lease start date vs. move-in date on the same day or on different days. Now that you understand the difference between the lease start date and move-in date and why they might differ, and the pros and cons of being the same or different day, you can make an informed decision.
You also have some tips on negotiating the lease start date and practical tips for a smooth moving day. If you need extra help or some more muscle, consider hiring moving labor providers who’ll fit all your moving needs and budget with Moving Help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does one ask for on move-in day?
A: You should ask for keys to the home, gate keys, whether you’re responsible for getting electric, water, gas, etc. services turned on, when is trash day, any special cleaning supplies that need to be used, and anything else you can think of for move-in day.
Q: What’s a good move-in date?
A: A good move-in date will depend on your schedule and circumstances. A less busy day to move is during the week and between October and April. The weather, family, and locations are all factors for you to consider.
Q: Can you negotiate the start date of a lease?
A: Yes, you can negotiate the start date of a lease. If the advertised start date doesn’t work for you, you can negotiate with the landlord on a date that’ll work for both parties.
Q: What’s the commence date of a lease?
A: The commence date of a lease refers to when the lease starts for a tenant. The tenant will take possession of the rental property — like an apartment —on the date outline in the lease agreement between the landlord and the tenant.
Q: What’s the difference between start date and effective date?
A: The effective date is when something goes into effect. The start date is when something begins. The effective date is set in advance, but the start date might have more flexibility. When it comes to a lease agreement, your effective date might be when your lease starts, but the start date might be a later date when the tenant moves into the rental property.
