Welcome to the James-Hawkins family. Whether you're moving into your first rental or your fifth, the first few days in a new home set the tone for everything that follows. We've put together this checklist to help you settle in quickly, get connected to our systems, and start enjoying your new home without the stress.

Before Move-In Day

The more you handle before you pick up the keys, the smoother your first week will be:

• Set up your Resident Portal account — you'll receive an email invitation from our system with login credentials. This is where you'll pay rent, submit maintenance requests, and communicate with our team. Log in here.
• Transfer utilities into your name — contact Alabama Power, Montgomery Water Works, and Spire Energy (gas) to start service on your lease start date. Don't wait until after you move in.
• Get renters insurance — most leases require it. A basic policy runs $15–$30/month and covers your personal belongings, liability, and additional living expenses if you're displaced. We recommend MSI for affordable coverage.
• Arrange your move — if you're hiring movers in Montgomery, get at least two quotes. Weekend and end-of-month moves tend to cost more.
• Update your address — file a change of address with USPS, and update your bank, employer, insurance, and any subscriptions.

Move-In Day: Walk Through Your Home

Before you start unpacking, take 15–20 minutes to walk through the property and document its condition:

• Take photos and video of every room, including walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, and appliances. Pay special attention to any existing scratches, stains, or damage. This protects your security deposit when you move out.
• Test everything — turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, test the stove and oven, run the dishwasher, check the HVAC in both heating and cooling modes.
• Locate important shutoffs — find the main water shutoff valve, the electrical breaker panel, and the gas shutoff (if applicable). Knowing these locations can prevent major damage in an emergency.
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — press the test button on each one. If any aren't working, submit a maintenance request through your portal immediately.
• Note anything that needs attention — if you spot a leaky faucet, a cracked window, or anything else, submit it through the Resident Portal right away so it's on record and can be addressed quickly.

Your First Week: Get Set Up

Once you're in, here are the essentials to take care of during your first week:

• Set up autopay for rent — log into your Resident Portal and configure automatic payments so you never miss a due date. Rent is due on the 1st of each month.
• Save our contact info — add James-Hawkins to your phone: (972) 833-1261 and info@james-hawkins.com. For emergencies, call the same number 24/7.
• Change your locks (if permitted) — check your lease for lock-change policies. If you'd like the locks rekeyed, submit a request through the portal.
• Introduce yourself to neighbors — a quick hello goes a long way, especially if you'll need to coordinate on shared driveways, parking, or trash pickup schedules.
• Locate your nearest essentials — find the closest grocery store, pharmacy, urgent care, and gas station. In Montgomery, Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Walmart are all well-distributed across the metro area.

For Section 8 Residents

If you're moving in with a Housing Choice Voucher, there are a few additional steps:

• Confirm your HAP contract is active — verify with the Montgomery Housing Authority that your Housing Assistance Payment is set up and your voucher has been transferred to the new address.
• Know your portion — understand exactly what your tenant portion of rent is and when it's due. Your portion is paid through the Resident Portal just like any other rent payment.
• Keep your voucher documents accessible — store copies of your voucher, HAP contract, and any correspondence from the housing authority in a safe place.
• Prepare for your HQS inspection — the property has already passed inspection before your move-in, but annual re-inspections are required. Keep the home in good condition and report any maintenance issues promptly.

Ongoing: Be a Great Resident

A few simple habits will keep your home in top shape and make your rental experience as smooth as possible:

• Pay rent on time — autopay is the easiest way. Late fees are avoidable.
• Report maintenance early — small issues become big (and expensive) problems when ignored. A dripping faucet today is a water-damaged cabinet next month. Here's how to submit a maintenance request.
• Change your HVAC filter regularly — every 1–3 months. A clean filter keeps your air quality high and your energy bills low, especially in Alabama's humid summers.
• Keep the yard maintained — if your lease includes yard responsibility, mow regularly and keep landscaping tidy. This is especially important in HOA communities.
• Communicate with us — if something comes up — a job change, a financial hardship, a question about your lease — reach out early. We're here to help.