Hi, there! Joe White here from Grow Property Management, your trusted property management company in Philadelphia. Tenants are required to report immediately any needed repairs in the rental property to prevent the damage getting worse & more costly for the property owner. Small inexpensive problems, become large, very expensive problems.
When a tenant moves out and you’re doing a move out inspection of your rental property always get a general picture of the appliance or of the room, and not just of the tenant damage.
Grow Property Management recently conducted a move-out inspection at a property where the tenants have just moved out. Unfortunately, the place was left in pretty poor condition, which means there will be charges deducted from their security deposit. Let me show you a quick example. If you look at the stove here, it’s covered in grime, and the refrigerator isn’t much better. It’s clear the tenants weren’t very careful.
When it comes to documenting these issues, photos are crucial. In most states, you need to provide a detailed breakdown to the tenants explaining why you’re withholding their deposit. You can’t just say, “We’re keeping your money because you were bad tenants.” Instead, you need to specify, for instance, that $123 is being withheld for damage to a specific item, and another amount for a different issue.
A useful tip is to take photos not only of the damage but also of the general condition of the items or areas affected. For instance, if the tenants left a high-end stove in a filthy state, take a photo of the stove’s overall condition as well as close-ups of the damage. This way, if the issue ends up in court, you can show the judge not just the specific damage but also the quality of the appliance or area before the damage occurred. It helps to convey that the property was in good shape and the tenants failed to maintain it properly.
When taking these photos, make sure to capture the general condition of the property, so the judge can see the contrast between the expected state of the appliance and how it was left. For example, a dirty sink in a high-quality kitchen should be photographed both in close-up and from a distance, showing that it was a nice sink to start with and that the tenants did not leave it in a suitable condition.
By providing a comprehensive visual record, you not only justify the security deposit deductions but also clearly demonstrate the extent of the tenants’ neglect. This thorough approach can help in resolving disputes and ensuring fair treatment in property management.
Philadelphia Property Management, giving you tips on handling your rental property inspections. Happy investing!