Once you approve a tenant, the Autopilot team coordinates the lease signing and security deposit process, helping ensure everything is completed quickly, accurately, and professionally so your rental is secured without delays. Below are the steps to getting
Step 1: Lease Agreement Is Prepared
After you approve the applicant:
We generate the lease agreement using your approved terms
You’ll receive an email notification to review the lease
We recommend reviewing the details carefully. If changes to the lease agreement are needed, you'll need to contact us before signing.
Step 2: Owner Signs The Lease Agreement First
As the owner, you always sign the lease agreement first. This confirms the following:
The rent amount
Security deposit amount
Lease start and end dates
Policies and addendums
Once signed, the lease is automatically sent to the tenant for their signature.
Step 3: Tenant Signs Lease Agreement & Pays the Security Deposit
After each party has signed, the following happens before move in:
The tenant must submit the security deposit
The deposit is due immediately upon the lease agreement signing
In some cases, identity verification is required before payment can be processed. This helps ensure secure transactions.
Step 4: Deposit Transfer Timeline
Once the tenant initiates payment:
Funds are processed via ACH
Security deposits typically arrive in your bank account within 5-7 business days
Autopilot does not hold security deposits. The funds are sent directly to you.
Step 5: Lease Agreement Finalization
After the lease is signed:
Both parties have signed
The security deposit has been initiated
We complete a final review of the lease agreement and counter-sign the lease. Once the lease agreement is finalized, the following happens:
Signed copies are automatically shared
The property is removed from marketing
All future showings are canceled
At this point, your tenant is officially secured.
First Month’s Rent Timeline
First month’s rent is due on the lease start date.
If the lease starts on the 1st → the full months rent is due
If it starts mid-month → the rent is prorated
Autopilot coordinates rent collection and automated reminders.
What Happens After Signing?
Once the lease is finalized:
The tenant receives move-in instructions
A pre-move-in walkthrough is scheduled
The tenant completes a condition report
Ongoing management continues under Autopilot
You can monitor all documents and payment activity directly in your dashboard.