When you have a tenant move out of your home it is imperative you do a complete move-out inspection. The idea of a move-out is to provide a baseline for the state of your property in comparison to when the tenant moved in. The matter of the security deposit always arises, what is damaged and needs fixing? How much of the deposit can the tenant claim?
The basics of a move-out inspection
What is a move-out inspection?
A move-out inspection is when a landlord and tenant literary walk through the rental property to assess the state of the property. The idea is to take note of the condition of the rental property before the tenant moves out. The landlord is looking for any damage in excess of normal wear and tear or any changes to the property. Moreover, the landlord is comparing the current condition of the rental property to the condition when the tenant moved in.
The purpose of a move-out inspection
Primary, the purpose of a move-out inspection is so that the landlord can document the condition of the rental property. In essence, this gives the landlord a chance to determine if damage has been done to the property while in the use of the renter. Keep in mind that damages to the rental property may decrease the amount of any returned security deposit. Moreover, if the cost of fixing any damage exceeds the value of the security deposit, the tenant will be required to make up that sum. Besides this, a move-out inspection is also carried out so a landlord is aware of the things that need attention before a new tenant moves into the property.
Timing and scheduling
The end of a tenant’s lease is the best time to carry out a move-out inspection. However, check with your local housing authority on when you can carry out a move-out inspection. It is the landlord’s responsibility to inform the tenant of the exact timing and scheduling of a move-out inspection.
Landlord benefits of a move-out inspection
- The landlord can use a move-out inspection to determine repairs to the rental property. As such the landlord can approximate the cost of these repairs.
- Secondly, a move-out inspection is essential to avoid disputes between the landlord and tenant. Making the tenant aware of the potential deductions that will be taken from their security deposit can help end disputes.
- Also, conducting a move-out inspection gives a tenant the opportunity to fix any damages. Therefore, the tenant can avoid deductions to their security deposit.
Tenant benefits of a move-out inspection
- A move-out inspection enables a tenant to repair damages they did not realise existed.
- When a tenant repairs damages, they are likely to have their full security deposit returned.
- A move-out inspection informs the tenant of any deductions that are going to be made to their security deposit. As such, the tenant will not be caught unaware.
