ONBOARDING

getting your rental ducks in a row


Thank you for choosing Nest.  We're with you for the whole flight.  Even the paperwork segment:)

We want management to go smoothly and legally!  These three stages help us on-board your property so you can off-board your rental stress

   Stage 1: Gathering Information (2-3 days)


  • STEP 1: Pay your property reserve (5 minutes)

    Login to your owner portal and pay your $1,000 property reserve, noted as a working capital reserve in your contract.


    This triggers our marketing phase. Getting your property ready and online is a top priority for us.

  • STEP 2: Update your homeowner's policy (15 minutes)

    Contact your insurance agent and have them convert your homeowner's policy to a landlord policy. An electronic copy of your Certificate of Insurance with Nest DC named as an 'Additional Insured' is required to complete the questionnaire. You’ll need to update your property’s insurance policy to a “rental dwelling policy”. We have two requirements, as noted in the PMA:

    -The policy must have a minimum of $1million in liability coverage


    -The policy must list Nest DC as an “Additional Insured”  (please use hello@nest-dc.com as the point of contact)

    Once you’ve obtained the new policy, you upload the document to the folder linked in the next section or forward a copy of your Certificate of Insurance to welcome@nest-dc.com

    Note: Not all insurance providers will have policies that meet the requirements above, including the coverage minimum. An umbrella policy is an option to meet the coverage minimum. If you are having trouble finding a provider that meets the requirements, we’re happy to make a few recommendations.

  • STEP 3: Complete owner questionnaire (20-45 minutes)

    Let's get the hard part over with.  We know paperwork is a drag, but we need this part done before moving forward with your rental.  This will take about 20-45 minutes once you gather your information. Here is the  New Nest Property Questionnaire .  Below is a list of what you need.  You will be able to upload documents directly into this Typeform


    • Bank account information so we can send your monthly payments
    • Property details + appliance/systems information 
    • Timing for your rental availability
    • Utility information 
    • Key details and access control
    • Certificate of insurance
    • Building bylaws and rules, and regulations (if you have a condo)
    • Basic Business License  for instructions GO HERE,
    • RAD form find instructions here
    •  DC lead disclosure form 
    •  Federal lead disclosure form 
    • Photo ID
    • Deed (case-by-case) basis

Stage 2: Photos + Marketing  (2-3 days)

  • STEP 4: Copy Keys

    Keys are the key to this process! We know this part is logistically unpleasant, it's the key to success. Here is what we need for access to your rental:


     1. We will need 2 full sets of keys (a set stored at our office, a set for the maintenance lockbox) plus 1 set per bedroom. Keys need to be keys marked (front door/backdoor/basement door/mailbox/outside gate/laundry room etc./main building) with building fobs (if necessary)


    2. Photograph the set of keys. 


    3. Drop keys at Nest Offices: 87 Florida Ave NW. Note, we have office hours from M-TH, but keys can be dropped securely 24 hours a day at the front door mailbox 


    OR


    4. Mail keys certified mail to:


     Nest DC

     c/o Sam Peredes

     87 Florida Ave NW

     Washington, DC 20001


    Some key situations are unique - and include keypads, fobs, or keys that cannot be duplicated. Let me know if your situation is different. Please detail that information below and email welcome@nest-dc.com 

  • STEP 5: Prepare for Photos

    We use a professional photography firm - and will schedule photos at a time that works best. Photo shoots run be  30-60 minutes and we schedule between 9am-4pm (when natural light is at it's best). 


    The homes should be  photo-ready (be or as close as you can get).  Our portfolio stands out, because our property listings shine.  We want the same for your rental.  


    Tips - clear clutter, dust/sweep, and removing personal photos are all things to consider when prepping your space.

We'll have your listing live and we will begin scheduling showings within 24 hours of photos (if the steps above are completed)! If you still live in the space and moving out shortly, be ready for showings to take place with notice. If your move-out date is more than 45 days out, we will get all of the prep work completed (photos and listing drafted) and will be ready to list when we hit the 45-day mark!

Stage 3: Preparing for Residents + Registration (timing varies)

  • STEP 6: Sign agreements for Utilities

    Utilities should always be on in your rental. This ensures smooth transitions and is safer for the property even when it's vacant. There are tools to ensure continuity between residents and those instructions are below.  


    Please be sure to maintain the utilities under your name until the future resident’s lease start date. Without poer, our technicians will not be able to examine appliances or electrical, and dark rooms may harm the quality of the inspection or walkthrough.



    Water | Water service in DC is tied to the deed of the property. This means the owner of the property will always be tied to the water service and be responsible, ultimately, for usage. These are your three options:


    1. You can include water in the rent.


    2. Charge a monthly flat fee that is added to the resident payment portal monthly - and bill is paid by you, the owner. We recommend $50 per resident as a rule of thumb.


    3. We can also have the resident set up their own account - we would just need your account number to pass on to them. (With this option you would need to be prepared to step in and pay the water bill in the rare case the resident goes default. And then we would pass the bill on via resident’s Nest account). 


    For condos: Let us know if water is included or submetered. 


    Electricity | If you haven’t already, we also encourage owners to set up a landlord account, which automatically places billing in your name after each resident leaves.   Once you have your landlord account, please send over the confirmation numbers so we can keep them on file.  You can add that information to your new owner questionnaire


    Pepco can be reached at 202-833-7500.


    Gas | Washington Gas can be reached at 844-927-4427. Residents can put gas in their name (if it's not already included in the condo fee). 


    Let us know if you have questions anytime! onboarding@nest-dc.com 

  • STEP 7: Apply for a basic business license

    A basic business licence (BBL) is required by the District of Columbia. 


    We won't sugar coat it. This is a process that nobody enjoys. Not even the District.  But it's neccesary to stay on the right side of the law. 


    www.nest-dc.com/new-bbl" label="" type="url" target="_blank" href="https://www.nest-dc.com/new-bbl" data-runtime-url="https://www.nest-dc.com/new-bbl">This Nest BBL page gives you everything you need to get through the DC registration and BBL process .  We know it's a lot to digest. We're here to help with questions anytime.  operations@nest-dc.com 

  • STEP 8: Change your mailing address (5 minutes)

    This is an easy one.  Here is a link to the UPS site

  • STEP 9: Make sure the home is empty

    Please be sure the unit is complety empty. Residents want a fresh start, and when things are left behind - we don't want to scramble and call a vendor to have things removed.

  • STEP 10: Turnover + make ready

    Handing keys over to a fresh and well maintained space sets a perfect tone for residents.  When we walk the property - we will note things necessary for turnover.  


    The timing of this process depends on the scope, vendor availability and your approval well-maintained.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I log into my Appfolio portal?

    Click here! On the portal, you can make a contribution, view monthly statements and tax documents, at  any time.


    It doesn't take more than a few minutes to set up your account. Just have your routing and account number for your prefered account handy

     

  • Will I be able to review applications before approval?

    In order to keep up with fair housing requirements, we apply the same standard to all of our applications. We are happy to share tenant details after applicants have been approved, but cannot do so beforehand.

  • Will I sign the lease and have a chance to review it?

    Since we are managing the unit, Nest signs the lease as the landlord. This lease is not editable.  But we're happy to send a copy - just email onboarding@nest-dc.com. The lease is completely assignable should your management needs ever change in the future!

  • Can I help choose my tenants/residents?

    The short answer is, sorry, but no.  


    Breaking the law during the leasing, marketing, and lease negotiation process is very easy.  Our clients should not expect to play a role in tenant/resident screening, selection o,r even market to a particular resident profile.  We understand some might flex on this point - but there is real risk for violating fair housing and local anti-discrimination laws. Tenants are very aware of these protections and can find support resources easily if their rights have been violated.   

  • How much time do I need to get on the market?

    Plan on one -  three months.  From the time you begin the process, until you greet your new resident at the move-in walkthrough - there are necessary steps that take time. This includes city inspections, paperwork, and for District landords, obtaining a Basic Business License

  • Can I rent my property without a BBL?

    You cannot legally rent your property out without a BBL. 


     If you have a clear timeline and have the process started, we can do "coming soon" listings so you don't have to wait to introduce your unit to the marketplace

  • Can I get a discount if I do showings?

    It's not worth it, lol!  Coordinating with prospects alone could easily become the bane of your existence.


    It works best when we do it - because we can do it best.  That's best for everyone!  


    We can show property 7 days a week including evenings.  And we love it