The Ultimate Guide to Move Out Inspections

The move out process can be hectic for both owners and tenants, due to legal requirements, and pressure to fill vacancies and begin the turnover process. One crucial step in the turnover process is a move out inspection. It's not just a good practice; in some states, it's legally required. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the importance of a move out inspection, the legal implications and how to set expectations with your tenant for these inspections.

Why Consider a Move Out Inspection

State Requirements: Understanding and familiarizing yourself with your rental’s state laws is essential to ensure legal compliance. Pre-move out inspections (An inspection performed before the tenant(s) have vacated the home), aren't optional in some states, and various jurisdictions mandate that landlords offer tenants the opportunity to conduct these inspections before moving out.

While it isn’t mandatory in all states, there are many benefits to considering a move out inspection:

• Property Condition: Conducting a move-out inspection allows the landlord to document the condition of the rental property after the tenant has moved out.
• Security Deposit: A thorough inspection can help determine what, if any, deductions should be made from the security deposit.
• Turnover Repairs: The move-out inspection allows the landlord to identify any repairs or maintenance issues that need to be addressed promptly before a new tenant moves in. This ensures that the property is in good condition and ready for the next tenant.

Setting Expectations with the Tenant

Communication is key to a smooth move out inspection. Here's how to set expectations:

• Notice Period: Clearly communicate when the inspection will take place (if the tenant will still be occupying the rental) and provide adequate notice to the tenant, as required by your state's laws.
• Tenant Participation: Let the tenant know they can be present during the inspection and encourage their involvement.
• Documentation: Explain the importance of documenting the property's condition during the inspection to avoid possible disputes.
• Repairs and Deductions: Discuss how any necessary repairs or deductions from the security deposit will be handled.

Conducting the Pre-Move Out Inspection

We recommend using a third party to complete the move-out inspection for a variety of reasons:

• Objectivity: A third-party inspector is neutral and unbiased, which helps ensure a fair evaluation of the property's condition.
• Expertise: Professional inspectors have experience and expertise in conducting property inspections. They know what to look for and can identify issues that may be overlooked by a landlord or tenant.
• Transparency: Third-party inspections promote transparency in the process. Both landlords and tenants can have confidence in the fairness of the inspector and the accuracy of the inspection report.
• Documentation: Inspectors often provide detailed inspection reports with photographs, which serve as a clear record of the property's condition at the time of the inspection.

A pre-move out inspection is not just a legal requirement in some states, it's a valuable part of the move out process that mutually benefits landlords and tenants. By understanding the process and the legal requirements, conducting a move out inspection can be a great success all around.