I had the initial move-out inspection with my tenants & mentioned specifics they would have to take care of prior to vacating. They have already been informed, in writing, of the upcoming final inspection which they insist upon attending.

Do I need to remind them, in writing, about specific things that I mentioned already, like dirty windows need to be cleaned, & remind them that more things may come to light when the house is vacant?

My former job required a lot of documentation and I don't want to go overboard with it, but documentation is my friend!

Thank you so much!

Fab Gal

Put everything in writing, text, e-mail or letter. I always take lots of pictures for myself. This saved me when a piece of furniture was placed in an odd place hiding carpet damage.

At small claims court the judge remarked "hiding carpet damage under furniture only works until you move."

Based on the preliminary inspection. you needed to give the tenant an itemized statement specifying repairs or cleanings that are proposed to be the basis of any deductions from the security the landlord intends to make. You do not need to give them any further notice before a final inspection.

You mention that "more things may come to light when the house is vacant". I remind you that your right to deduct for such "things" are limited.

Are these statements too loose?

Do I need to give an estimate and price everything?

* Driveway must be cleaned of automotive stains.

* Laundry tub must be cleaned. Please use a non-abrasive cleanser.

* Clean windows, window frames,and window tracks.

• Do I need to give an estimate and price everything? NO. Just an itemized list.

• Driveway must be cleaned of automotive stains. YES, if its dirty.

• Laundry tub must be cleaned. Please use a non-abrasive cleanser. OK

• Clean windows, window frames,and window tracks. OK

My comment about reminding you that your right to deduct for such "things" are limited, was not meant for your tenant. It was meant for YOU. You cannot revise your itemized list without a good reason, such as it having been covered by furniture at the time of preliminary inspection, WITH PROOF.

Clean Carpet means many things to many different people. I like being as specific - carpets will be professionally cleaned just before turning over keys to the property

A clean counter top might mean being wiped down to someone and might require bleach to someone else. It is these differences that make these matters difficult.

So I would not REMIND the folks as that might come of as nagging. However sending a text like - "how are you coming along with getting the carpets scheduled for the professional cleaning (just before you turn over the keys)?"

Suddenly you are helping them help you. In the end - if they don't get this place cleaned up, who does this come back to?

I've always been a bit fascinated by the postings here about conditions upon surrender and other LLs complaining .

1. We can't expect or complain about tenants not having the same standards as us. Tenants are tenants because they are tenants.

2. ..."" Broom clean and free of filth and debris...."""

That is the general boilerplate of lawyer commercial leases.

3. A one year tenancy is very different than a Long term tenancy of 3, 5, or 10 years. Wear And tear is real

As is "hard" wear and tear.. I find the toughest length of time for making the normal w and t vs damages judgement is the 18 to 24 month occupancy. The reality is that we all color that by our relationship with the outgoing tenant.

4. Judges love to refer to this stuff as ""tenant residue"", which really is a great, perfect term.

5. Our properties are like clothes hanging on hangers in our closet. They get worn, and in the course of being worn (used) they get dirty, stained and smelly and damaged. They have to be maintained,.....washed , cleaned, pressed, sewn. Eventually they wear out or go out of fashion and we replace then with new stuff hanging on the hanger in our closet.

If I worked in an office and my boss paid me to show up and produce a days work sitting at a desk,...I don't think I could expect him to reimburse me for the seat of my pants that wore out.

We are in the business of keeping boxes occupied and the rents collected.

Shine em up and get a new set of bodies in there..