Record Retention Policy Checklist

Ensure legal compliance & protect your real estate business! Download our free Record Retention Policy Checklist - covering leases, contracts, financials & more. Stay organized & avoid costly penalties. #realestate #recordkeeping #compliance #checklist

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General Real Estate Transaction Documents

1 of 10

Covers documents related to buying, selling, and leasing properties. Includes purchase agreements, listing agreements, escrow documents, and related correspondence.

Date of Purchase Agreement

Purchase Agreement Document

Date of Closing

Closing Statement/HUD-1

Summary of Key Contractual Terms

Purchase Price

Financing Type (Cash, Mortgage, etc.)

Title Insurance Policy

Date of Deed Recording

Lease Agreements & Tenant Records

2 of 10

Focuses on records pertaining to property leases, tenant applications, screening results, rent rolls, and related communications.

Lease Agreement Copy

Lease Start Date

Lease Expiration Date

Tenant Communication Log (Significant Events)

Rent Amount

Security Deposit Usage (If Applicable)

Tenant Screening Method

Date of Tenant Move-In

Date of Tenant Move-Out

Mortgage & Financing Documents

3 of 10

Includes records of mortgages, loan applications, appraisals, title insurance policies, and related lender communications.

Loan Origination Date

Loan Amount

Loan Application Notes (if applicable)

Loan Application Documents (e.g., W-2s, bank statements)

Loan Type (e.g., Conventional, FHA, VA)

Appraisal Date

Appraisal Report

Title Insurance Company

Date of Last Loan Statement Review

Property Management Records

4 of 10

Covers records relating to property maintenance, repairs, vendor contracts, insurance policies, and accounting related to property management.

Last Vendor Contract Review Date

Summary of Significant Property Maintenance Issues & Resolutions

Number of Open Maintenance Requests

Copy of Current Property Insurance Policy

Types of Maintenance Services Contracted (e.g., Plumbing, Electrical, Landscaping)

Primary Property Management Software Used

Date of Last Pest Control Service

Description of Routine Property Inspections Conducted

Title & Escrow Records

5 of 10

Specifically addresses documents pertaining to title searches, title insurance, escrow processes, and related legal documents.

Title Search Reports

Title Insurance Policies

Escrow Instructions

Recordation Date (Deed)

Policy Number (Title Insurance)

Closing Statements/Settlement Sheets

Type of Title Opinion

Exceptions to Title Documents

Legal & Regulatory Compliance

6 of 10

Focuses on records demonstrating compliance with relevant laws and regulations, such as Fair Housing Act, environmental regulations, and local ordinances.

Fair Housing Act Compliance – Training Records

Last Fair Housing Act Training Completion Date

Summary of Current Fair Housing Policies & Procedures

Copy of Advertising Materials (to demonstrate compliance)

Lead Paint Disclosure Compliance (for properties built before 1978)

Number of Formal Fair Housing Complaints Received (past 3 years)

Description of procedures for handling tenant complaints related to discrimination.

Accessibility Compliance (ADA/State Laws)

Insurance Records

7 of 10

Covers property insurance policies, liability insurance, and any claims related to those policies.

Property Insurance Policy Documents

Policy Number

Policy Effective Date

Policy Expiration Date

Summary of Coverage (Brief Description)

Coverage Amount (Property)

Coverage Amount (Liability)

Insurance Provider

Insurance Claim Documentation (if applicable)

Tax Records

8 of 10

Includes property tax assessments, records of payments, and related documentation.

Year of Property Tax Assessment

Assessed Value of Property

Property Tax Amount Paid

Date Tax Payment Made

Copy of Property Tax Bill/Receipt

Notes regarding tax appeals or disputes (if applicable)

Tax Parcel Number

Tax Exempt Status?

Electronic Communication Records

9 of 10

Covers email correspondence, text messages, and other electronic communications related to real estate transactions and property management.

Date of Email/Text Exchange

Summary of Communication Content

Communication Type (Email, Text, Chat)

Relevant Parties Involved (Names & Roles)

Attachment(s) - Relevant Documents/Images

Subject Matter Category (Purchase, Lease, Maintenance)

Unique Identifier/Reference Number (if applicable)

Due Diligence & Environmental Records

10 of 10

Includes environmental assessments, property condition reports, and other records generated during due diligence processes.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Report

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Report (if applicable)

Summary of Property Condition Report Findings

Presence of Asbestos (Based on Inspection)

Presence of Lead-Based Paint (Based on Inspection)

Date of Environmental Inspection

Soil Sampling Results (if applicable)

Description of any identified environmental concerns

Review of Flood Zone Maps

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