Moving In

Get Renter's Insurance

Prior to move in, you need to procure renter's insurance covering damages to the premises and your personal property, listing Landlord and Agent as additional insureds, per your lease. Reach out to your Property Manager with any questions.

Pay Your Balance and Fulfill Guarantor Requirements

To pick up keys and move in, everyone on the lease must have a $0 balance and guarantor requirements met (or be self-qualified). Balance includes, per person: Tenant Onboarding Fee, Security Deposit, Key/Lock Fee, Base Rent (first charge), and any applicable Lease Processing, Parking, Furniture, or Animal fees. Pay online via the Tenant Web ACCESS account or by mail — see Making Payments.

Turn on Utilities

The resident is responsible for placing all utilities in their name (unless otherwise agreed in the lease) and for having them disconnected at lease termination. Most utility providers will only put an account in one person's name — work this out with your roommates. JMU students should contact JMU's Utility Deposit Assistance Program prior to contacting utility companies.

Check-In and Key Pickup

Your lease begins at 12PM (noon) on your lease start date. Collect your keys at the Matchbox Realty Office, 202 N Liberty Street, Suite 101, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (Mon–Fri, 9AM–5PM). Keys cannot be issued early — no exceptions. A government-issued ID may be required. For after-hours, weekend, or holiday pickup, contact your Property Manager in advance to arrange self-check-in via secure key lockers.

Return Your Move-in Inspection

The Move-In Inspection form is due back within 5 days of the lease start date — not your move-in date. Document any existing cosmetic damage with photographs and submit them to your Property Manager. If this form is not returned in time, you'll be held accountable for any damage not documented at move-in.

Check Your Mailbox

Check your mailbox during move-in to confirm your key works. If you find mail from previous residents, mark it “RETURN TO SENDER” and deposit it in the outgoing mailbox. Be sure to provide your new address to USPS as a forwarding address if applicable.