The Move In - Move Out Inspection Procedure - How to Avoid Tenant Problems
Before your new tenant moves in the owner or manager should inspect the unit for damages.
There should be a detailed report of any damages not there prior to this tenants move out.
Your report should be consistent with the kind of detail you would need to make your case in court.
A successful move out procedure begins with an understanding of the meaning of "normal wear and tear".
This simple definition will save you unnecessary arguments with tenants and possible court time.
Normal Wear and Tear: According to the Texas code normal wear and tear is defined as "deterioration that results from the intended use of a dwelling, including, breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition, but the term does not include deterioration that results from negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse of the premises, equipment, or chattels by the tenant, by a member of the tenant's house.
" Because there is a fine line between ear and tear and damage only excellent documentation backed by all correspondence in writing and digital photos will save time and money in a dispute.
This begins and ends with the move in/out inspection done by a qualified property manger or owner.
The Move-In Inspection Report As a matter of fact, it will allow you to check out if the apartment or house was received in good condition.
1.
Inventory exactly what the rented apartment or house is made up of and in document condition.
2.
Document using an approved apartment association form and take digital photographs of each problem.
3.
Itemize in this Move-In Inspection Report all damages to your apartment or house existing at the time of your inspection.
4.
In a furnished place, you will also have to itemize the furniture, furnishings and their condition.
5.
As the owner/manager spell out in writing which you agree to have repaired or replaced and save all vendor and maintenance receipts.
The Move-Out Procedures Upon vacating the premises, termination of occupancy and removal of all of the tenants personal effects, make an inspection of the premises to determine any damages, missing items or repairs.
1.
Itemize all inventory 2.
Note all damages that were not there before 3.
Take digital photos and burn a CD 4.
Have the original move in inspection report with you when you inspect the unit.
If there are damages 1.
Itemize the damages 2.
Get written bids from professionally licensed tradesman and vendors 3.
Note state or local laws regarding how long you can keep a security deposit before returning it or some portion of it.
4.
Notify the old tenant that they are responsible for damages and itemize the damage and the repair cost.
5.
Include a copy of all receipts 6.
Send the security deposit check to the tenant along with a letter itemizing the damages and the reasons for all deductions.
Make the math clear and include receipts for all repairs and charges.
If you have an original itemized move in check list and have documented damages and have digital photos, then a surprise visit to small claims court with an irate ex-tenant should be a breeze.
Use the approved move-in/out inspections forms available at your local apartment Association.
There is a long list located at http://www.
yourpropertypath.
com in the directory find it section..
Always save all business emails and file all correspondence for up to seven years.
Howard Bell for yourpropertypath.
com
There should be a detailed report of any damages not there prior to this tenants move out.
Your report should be consistent with the kind of detail you would need to make your case in court.
A successful move out procedure begins with an understanding of the meaning of "normal wear and tear".
This simple definition will save you unnecessary arguments with tenants and possible court time.
Normal Wear and Tear: According to the Texas code normal wear and tear is defined as "deterioration that results from the intended use of a dwelling, including, breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition, but the term does not include deterioration that results from negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse of the premises, equipment, or chattels by the tenant, by a member of the tenant's house.
" Because there is a fine line between ear and tear and damage only excellent documentation backed by all correspondence in writing and digital photos will save time and money in a dispute.
This begins and ends with the move in/out inspection done by a qualified property manger or owner.
The Move-In Inspection Report As a matter of fact, it will allow you to check out if the apartment or house was received in good condition.
1.
Inventory exactly what the rented apartment or house is made up of and in document condition.
2.
Document using an approved apartment association form and take digital photographs of each problem.
3.
Itemize in this Move-In Inspection Report all damages to your apartment or house existing at the time of your inspection.
4.
In a furnished place, you will also have to itemize the furniture, furnishings and their condition.
5.
As the owner/manager spell out in writing which you agree to have repaired or replaced and save all vendor and maintenance receipts.
The Move-Out Procedures Upon vacating the premises, termination of occupancy and removal of all of the tenants personal effects, make an inspection of the premises to determine any damages, missing items or repairs.
1.
Itemize all inventory 2.
Note all damages that were not there before 3.
Take digital photos and burn a CD 4.
Have the original move in inspection report with you when you inspect the unit.
If there are damages 1.
Itemize the damages 2.
Get written bids from professionally licensed tradesman and vendors 3.
Note state or local laws regarding how long you can keep a security deposit before returning it or some portion of it.
4.
Notify the old tenant that they are responsible for damages and itemize the damage and the repair cost.
5.
Include a copy of all receipts 6.
Send the security deposit check to the tenant along with a letter itemizing the damages and the reasons for all deductions.
Make the math clear and include receipts for all repairs and charges.
If you have an original itemized move in check list and have documented damages and have digital photos, then a surprise visit to small claims court with an irate ex-tenant should be a breeze.
Use the approved move-in/out inspections forms available at your local apartment Association.
There is a long list located at http://www.
yourpropertypath.
com in the directory find it section..
Always save all business emails and file all correspondence for up to seven years.
Howard Bell for yourpropertypath.
com
