Tenant Resources
Move-In Checklist
Everything you need to do before, during, and after moving into your Cleveland Comfort Housing rental. Follow this guide step-by-step to ensure a smooth transition into your new home.
Before Move-In Day
Confirm lease start date and key pickup time
Call (216) 859-3911 to confirm. We'll schedule a time to hand over keys and walk through the property together.
Set up electricity
Contact your local utility provider (Cleveland Electric Illuminating, FirstEnergy, etc.) to transfer service into your name before move-in day.
Set up gas service
Contact Dominion Energy Ohio (Cleveland area) or Ohio Gas (Akron area) to activate gas service at your new address.
Set up water/sewer
Check your lease — water may be included or separate. We'll advise you during move-in orientation.
Get renters insurance
Required before move-in. Basic policies start around $15/month. We recommend comparing quotes from State Farm, Allstate, or an independent agent.
Set up RentRedi tenant portal
You'll receive an invite link from us. Create your account before move-in and set up autopay for your first rent payment.
Plan your move-in date carefully
Avoid Saturdays if possible — moving companies are busiest. Consider mid-week moves for smoother scheduling.
Move-In Day
Complete move-in inspection with your checklist
We'll provide a written inspection form. Document every room carefully — note any existing damage, scratches, stains, or issues.
Take dated photos of every room
Photograph all walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, and any existing damage. Date-stamp the photos. Store them somewhere safe.
Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Press the test button on each detector. If any don't work, notify us immediately — this is a safety priority.
Locate the circuit breaker box
Know where it is and understand which breakers control which areas of the home.
Locate the main water shut-off valve
In case of a leak or burst pipe, knowing where this is can prevent major water damage.
Test all doors, windows, and locks
Make sure every entry point opens, closes, and locks properly. Report any issues to us the same day.
Check all appliances
Test oven/range, refrigerator, dishwasher (if included), washer/dryer connections. Note any that don't work.
Confirm HVAC operation
Test the heating and cooling system. Make sure the thermostat is responsive and the system produces heat/cool air.
Sign and return the completed inspection form
Both you and we should have signed copies. This protects your security deposit at move-out.
First Week
Update your address everywhere
USPS mail forwarding, employer, bank, driver's license (required in Ohio within 30 days), voter registration, subscriptions.
Set up internet and cable
You're responsible for your own internet/cable service. Spectrum and AT&T are common providers in Northeast Ohio.
Confirm autopay is set up in RentRedi
Rent is due the 1st of each month. Autopay from your bank account (ACH) is free and the easiest way to stay on time.
Save emergency numbers
Save (216) 859-3911 in your phone under 'Maintenance Emergency' — this is your 24/7 line for urgent issues.
Learn trash and recycling schedule
Ask us or check your city's website for your collection day and any sorting requirements.
Check air filter location and condition
Locate your HVAC air filter. Replace if dirty. Going forward, check monthly and replace every 1–3 months (tenant responsibility).
Meet your neighbors (optional but nice!)
A quick introduction goes a long way in building a good living environment.
Ongoing Tenant Responsibilities
Pay rent on time (by the 1st)
Grace period through the 5th. Late fees apply after that. Auto-pay is the easiest solution.
Report maintenance issues promptly
Don't wait until small problems become big ones. Submit requests online at /maintenance or call us.
Replace HVAC air filters regularly
This is a tenant responsibility. 1-inch filters should be changed every 1–3 months.
Keep renters insurance active
Your policy must remain active for the entire lease term. Send us updated proof of insurance annually.
Give proper notice before moving out
Standard notice is 30–60 days (check your lease). Provide written notice and we'll schedule a pre-move-out walkthrough.
Keep the property in good condition
Normal wear and tear is expected. Damage beyond that comes out of the security deposit. Keep it clean and treat it like home.
Utility Provider Quick Reference
You'll need to contact these utilities to set up service in your name before or on move-in day. Have your new address, ID, and Social Security number ready.
Electric (Cleveland area)
Cleveland Electric Illuminating / FirstEnergy
1-800-589-3101
Electric (Akron area)
Ohio Edison / FirstEnergy
1-800-633-4766
Gas (Cleveland area)
Dominion Energy Ohio
1-800-362-7557
Gas (Akron area)
Dominion Energy Ohio
1-800-362-7557
Water (Cleveland)
Cleveland Water
216-664-3130
Internet
Spectrum or AT&T (your choice)
Varies
First Week Answers
Move-In FAQ for Northeast Ohio Renters
Use these quick answers when you're preparing utilities, documenting your rental, or deciding whether a move-in issue needs a maintenance request.
What should I set up before moving into a Cleveland Comfort Housing rental?
Before move-in day, confirm your key pickup time, activate any utilities assigned to you, gather renters insurance proof, and watch for your RentRedi portal invite. Keep your ID, lease documents, and first payment information easy to access.
When should I report maintenance issues found during move-in?
Report urgent safety or habitability concerns immediately. For routine items, document them during the move-in inspection, take dated photos, and submit a maintenance request as soon as possible so there is a clear record from your first week.
How do I document the condition of my rental on move-in day?
Walk through every room before unpacking, take clear dated photos of walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, appliances, windows, doors, and any existing wear, then keep those files with your lease records and signed inspection form.
Where can I find help after my first week in the rental?
Use the tenant resource hub for rent payment, maintenance, FAQ, contact, and move-in guidance. If something is urgent, use the emergency maintenance instructions instead of waiting for a routine request response.
What should I do if severe weather is expected around move-in day?
Monitor official local alerts and pause the move if a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning affects your route or rental. Keep shoes, phone power, medications, and key documents easy to reach, identify a safer interior shelter area before unpacking, and report storm-related rental damage only after you are in a safe location.
How should I plan mail and package delivery around move-in?
Confirm the exact address and unit number, wait until your authorized move-in date before scheduling deliveries, update important senders directly, and choose carrier alerts or pickup options when useful. Keep labels with private information secure, and report damaged property-owned mailbox or entry equipment through the proper maintenance channel.
Questions About Moving In?
We're here to make your move as smooth as possible. Don't hesitate to call.