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New Onboard & Move Out Fire Safety Audits

When a property is newly onboarded with MoveZen or when a tenant moves out, our team conducts a Fire Safety Audit to verify the home meets all legal and operational safety standards.

Audience: Rental property owners seeking to understand why MoveZen performs fire safety audits during onboarding and move-out, what these audits cover, and how they protect both owners and future residents.

These audits are essential checkpoints that protect residents, reduce owner liability, and establish clear documentation for insurance and compliance.

Because safety requirements evolve and conditions change during tenancy, these audits help ensure that homes are fully compliant before a new resident takes occupancy.

FAQs ❓

Why is a fire safety audit required during onboarding?
Because MoveZen must verify the home meets minimum safety code before managing or leasing it.

Why audit again at move-out?
To document current safety conditions, identify tenant-caused issues, and prepare for the next tenant.

Can tenants be charged for missing or damaged detectors at move-out?
Yes - if damaged beyond normal wear and tear, with documentation.

Does MoveZen replace detectors during onboarding if needed?
Yes. Expired, malfunctioning, or missing detectors must be corrected immediately.

When Fire Safety Audits Occur 

1. New Property Onboarding

Before MoveZen begins managing or leasing a home, we must verify that all fire-safety components meet standards.

2. Tenant Move-Out

When a resident vacates, we inspect again to ensure the property is safe for turnover and the next tenant.

These are high-value touchpoints where issues are most commonly discovered—and where owners benefit most from corrective action.

Why Fire Safety Audits Are Essential:

  • To prevent liability for owners

  • To ensure compliance with safety regulations

  • To catch tampering issues or failures early

  • To establish documentation for move-in/move-out disputes

  • To reduce risk of smoke/CO-related injury

Missing or expired detectors are one of the most common—and most dangerous—issues MoveZen identifies.

What MoveZen Checks During These Fire Safety Audits 

1. Smoke Detectors

We verify:

  • Presence in each bedroom

  • Presence outside sleeping areas

  • Presence on every level of the home

  • Hardwired detectors function properly

  • Battery-powered units function correctly

  • No expired detectors

  • No paint, tampering, or disconnected units

If any fail testing or inspection, replacement is mandatory.

2. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Required in any home with:

  • Fossil fuels

  •  

    Fireplaces

  • Attached garages

Audits verify:

  • Proper placement

  • Functionality

  • Expiration dates

  • Secure mounting

3. Visual Safety Inspection for Fire Risks

MoveZen checks for:

  • Blocked HVAC intakes

  • Dirty or obstructed dryer vents

  • Flammable storage near furnaces

  • Overloaded outlets

  • Appliances showing burn or electrical risk

These issues are documented and corrective actions are recommended immediately.

4. Emergency Systems & General Safety

Depending on property type, MoveZen may confirm:

  • Fire extinguishers present (if required by HOA or local code)

  • Emergency exit access

  • Secure exterior lighting

  • Functioning exterior doors and deadbolts

While not all properties require extinguishers by law, some communities do.

What Happens If Issues Are Found? 

MoveZen will:

  • Document findings with photos

  • Notify the owner

  • Provide cost estimates if replacements are needed

  • Repair or replace detectors

  • Charge tenants if damage was caused during tenancy

  • Update compliance records

Fire safety issues cannot be deferred.

Why Onboarding Audits Are Especially Important 

Many owners assume their home is already compliant—but onboarding audits often uncover:

  • Expired detectors

  • Inconsistent installation

  • Dead batteries

  • Missing CO units

  • Tenant-installed, low-quality replacements

  • Detector placement that violates modern code

These issues must be corrected before leasing the property.

Onboarding audits also create:

  • A documented baseline

  • Legal protection for owners

  • Clear expectations for maintenance

Why Move-Out Audits Matter Just as Much

Move-out is when we can safely and thoroughly check every area.

Move-out audits catch:

  • Detector removal or tampering 

  • Excessive dust buildup

  • Damaged wiring or outlets

  • Issues hidden by furniture when occupied

Owner Responsibilities vs. Tenant Responsibilities 

Owners Are Responsible For:

  • Providing functioning detectors at move-in, and ensuring new batteries are installed prior to move in (unless sealed units)

  • Approving replacements for expired or faulty devices

  • Maintaining long-term compliance

  • Correcting structural fire risks

Tenants Are Responsible For:

  • Replacing batteries during the tenancy (unless sealed units)

  • Not disabling detectors

  • Reporting issues promptly

  • Keeping flammable items safely stored

If tenants remove or damage detectors, charges may apply.

How These Audits Help Owners Financially 

✔ Prevent insurance claim denial

✔ Reduce major repair costs

✔ Increase tenant safety and satisfaction

✔ Reduce vacancy by ensuring the home is ready faster

✔ Provide documentation for disputes

✔ Catch problems early before they worsen

Small fire safety issues often lead to major incidents if unchecked.

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