A bit of advanced planning can help ease landlord-tenant issues when it comes to moving out.

"It starts at the time the tenant first visits your rental property as a prospect, and is reinforced at the time of move-in, by explaining your policies and procedures for handling the disposition of the security deposit." says Inman News columnist, Robert Griswold.  "It is the law of most states that your tenants need to return the rental unit in the same or better condition than when they moved in, except for normal wear and tear."

 Let your tenants know up-front that just as they expect you to provide them with a clean and well-maintained unit to move into, they are responsible for keeping it clean during their tenancy and you will keep it maintained as needed.

 Encourage them to contact you with any maintenance issues as soon as they arise, most problems are easier and less expensive to fix when they are small. "This lets your tenant know that you care about the condition of your property," states Griswold, "and that you want the rental unit to be in great condition during their tenancy and upon move-out."

 At move-out time, it is not acceptable for your tenant to leave the rental unit full of trash and unwanted household items; this is why you get a security deposit up-front.  But this should not be considered an opportunity to charge excessive fees.  "I know there are some unethical landlords who actually want their tenants to leave the rental unit in less-than-perfect condition" says Griswold.  "This is one area where, with some advance notice and preparation, you can have a positive impact on your experience as a landlord."

Read more at Inman News.

photo credit: Digital Sextant

Posted in Blogging, Headlines

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