Renters vs. Homeowners: What Documents You Should Keep Handy

Whether you’re renting your first apartment or settling into your forever home, one thing is true: the paperwork adds up quickly. From lease agreements and insurance policies to maintenance records and mortgage statements, it’s easy to let documents pile up—or worse, disappear entirely.

But keeping the right documents organized and accessible can save you a ton of stress, time, and money—especially when the unexpected happens.

Here’s a clear, side-by-side guide on what documents renters and homeowners should always have handy—and how myDox helps you store, manage, and share them securely.

For Renters: Documents You Should Never Be Without

Renting may come with less responsibility than owning, but it still requires a solid paper trail.

Must-Have Documents for Renters:

• Lease Agreement
  Outlines the terms of your rental, including monthly rent, deposit, responsibilities, and duration of the lease.
  Keep it stored in myDox so you can quickly reference your rights or responsibilities if something comes up with your landlord.
• Renter’s Insurance Policy
  Protects your belongings from theft, fire, and damage—and is often required by landlords.
  Example: If there’s a break-in or flood in your apartment, you’ll want quick access to your policy to file a claim.
• Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Reports
  Helps document the condition of your rental before and after your stay to avoid losing your security deposit.
  Pro Tip: Upload photos or scanned documents directly into your myDox folder for easy access.
• Proof of Rent Payments
  Bank statements, payment receipts, or online transfer confirmations can protect you if there’s ever a dispute.
• Communication Records with Landlord
  If you’ve had issues with repairs, rent increases, or maintenance, keep copies of important emails or letters on file.

Example: Your landlord tries to withhold your deposit unfairly after move-out. You open myDox and share dated inspection photos and your lease terms—no stress, no digging through old emails.

For Homeowners: What You Need to Stay Organized

Homeownership comes with a different set of responsibilities—and a lot more documents to manage.

Must-Have Documents for Homeowners:

• Property Title & Deed
  Proves legal ownership of your home. You’ll need it when selling or refinancing.
  Store a digital copy in myDox to avoid delays during real estate transactions.
• Mortgage Documents
  Includes your loan agreement, payment schedule, and closing disclosure.
  Example: When tax season rolls around, you can easily retrieve your mortgage interest statement from myDox.
• Homeowners Insurance Policy
  Essential for filing a claim in case of fire, storm damage, or theft.
  Be sure to keep this current and store it alongside any home improvement receipts.
• Home Improvement & Repair Records
  Contractor invoices, warranties, permits, and maintenance logs can increase your home’s value and help with future claims or resale.
  Example: If you’re selling your home, you can quickly prove a new roof was installed two years ago—with documentation stored safely in myDox.
• Property Tax Records
  Helps during tax time and can be useful when appealing property tax increases.
• Utilities & Service Agreements
  Especially helpful for new homeowners who want to track costs, compare providers, or budget efficiently.

What Both Renters and Homeowners Should Keep Handy

No matter where you live, some documents are essential for daily life and future planning.

Shared Must-Haves:

• Identification Documents – Driver’s license, passport, Social Security card
• Emergency Contact Information – Doctors, insurance, maintenance
• Legal Documents – POAs, living wills, and any applicable legal agreements
• Insurance Policies – Health, auto, renters/homeowners
• Inventory of Personal Belongings – For insurance purposes in case of loss or damage

Pro Tip: Use myDox to create separate folders for “Home,” “Insurance,” “Legal,” and “Personal” to keep everything sorted and searchable.

How myDox Makes Document Management Effortless

Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, or transitioning from one to the other, myDox helps you stay on top of everything.

• Store all documents securely in the cloud—no more lost papers or overstuffed drawers
• Access from anywhere—whether you’re at a leasing office or sitting down with your mortgage broker
• Share documents instantly and safely with landlords, insurance providers, lenders, or contractors
• Organize by category or by household member for quick retrieval

Example: You’re applying for a new rental and the landlord asks for your last lease and proof of renter’s insurance. Open myDox, find the folder, and send everything in one secure link. Easy.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ready, Stay Organized

Renting or owning, one thing is certain: being prepared makes life easier. When the unexpected happens—or when everyday life just gets busy—having your documents organized and accessible helps you stay in control.

Use myDox to take the stress out of paperwork and get back to focusing on what matters most—your home, your people, your peace of mind.