Conducting a regular inspections help to getting the unit safe and allow the tenant and landlord to review the condition of the property.
Please review the FAQ below for information on what is expected from the tenant at Move-Out.
FAQs About Move-Out Inspections:
1. What Is a Move-Out Inspection?
A Move-Out inspection is when a landlord goes through the rental unit to inspect for any damage, condition, cleanliness, or illegal alterations to the unit. It is preferred that the inspection happens with the tenant, but if this is not scheduled by the tenant the landlord will perform the inspection and provide the prior tenant with the report. The landlord is looking for any damage in excess of normal wear and tear or any changes to the unit that have not been mutually agreed upon, such as changing the paint color. The landlord is comparing the condition of the property to the condition of the property when the tenant moved into the unit.
2. When Does a Move-Out Inspection Take Place?
While inspections may take place at any time during your tenancy, a Move-Out takes place when a tenant is moving out of a rental unit. The exact time when this inspection can take place will vary, but will happen after the tenant has removed all of their property from their home.
3. Why Does a Walk-Through Inspection Take Place?
A Move-Out inspection is done so that a landlord can document the condition of the property. The landlord is trying to determine if damage has been done to the unit that would require deductions to be taken from the tenant’s security deposit or otherwise billed to the tenant. The Move-Out inspection is also done so that the landlord knows what must be fixed before the next tenant moves into the property.
4. Who Schedules a Move-Out Inspection?
The inspection will happen after the Tenant has removed all their possessions from the rental unit. The tenant should call the landlord 3-5 business days before their move-out to schedule the move-out inspection. If the tenant does not schedule the inspection, or it cannot be scheduled, the landlord will perform the inspection and send the tenant a report.
5. Can the tenant make repairs after the Move-Out Inspection?
While tenants cannot make repairs or alterations to the property without the prior written approval of the Landlord (which the inspection report does not constitute), if the move-out inspection occurs before the end of the tenant’s lease, they may have time to adequately clean, replace broken light bulbs, filters, and batteries, remove any lingering trash, and take other smaller actions in order to put the unit back into its condition at move-in. After the lease is expired the tenant is not allowed to return to the property, and will not be able to make any further changes or remedies.
DISCLAIMER: This is provided for general information purposes only, and may not include all of the duties tenants have during move-out.
