How to Protect Your Investment with a Move-Out Checklist

It is always best to plan ahead for every part of the rental process as a landlord, this includes move-outs. Most landlords and tenants have heard of the practice, but not everyone knows what a move-out checklist should include. We here at Innovative Properties, with over 30 years of property management experienced have compiled a list detailing how to protect your investment with a move-out checklist.

The move-out inspection is typically completed withing 48 hours of the move-out. This serves as a comprehensive evaluation of a property’s condition once the tenant vacates. In contrast to the move-in inspection, the findings will determine if any damage is beyond normal wear and tear.

This inspection is vital because damage to be found beyond normal wear and tear allows landlords to deduct from the security deposit. By law, landlords have a set timeframe to return the deposit to the tenant. Typically this is 30 to 45 days after move out. For record-keeping, the best way to perform a move-out inspection is with a checklist.

The goal of the move-out inspection is to look over the condition of the property. This process looks at what is normal wear and tear versus potential damage the tenant may have caused. A normal case for wear and tear occurs as property fixtures and systems naturally age. Since this isn’t a result of any neglect, landlords must address this at their expense. With that though if the damage is the result of abuse by the tenant, then the tenant is responsible for repair or replacement of damaged property. Here are a few examples of what damage versus wear and tear may look like.

Carpet – Carpet in a rental property can show wear quickly. Normal aging will show up as worn patches in high-traffic areas, but there shouldn’t be any kind of holes or stains present. However, carpet with damage from the tenant will be heavily stained, ripped, or show evidence of possible pet damage.

Hardwood Flooring – With normal wear there may be some scratches or fading from prolonged sunlight exposure. If the floors have some deep scratches or damaged pieces, the tenant is responsible for the damage.

Walls and Paint – Slight cracks from settling or scuff marks to the pain are expected. However, if the walls have holes, large scuff marks, or are an unauthorized pain color, tenants are responsible for correcting the issues.

What should a move-out checklist include:

• Rental Property Address
• Tenant contact information and forwarding address
• Field for the move out date and date of inspection
• Individual sections for the items in each room of the property
• Additional blank fields to record notes or special room features
• Larger space for documenting comments
• Places for every tenant and the landlord to sign

We hope this was helpful to walk you through the process of completing a move-out inspection. It is something that can be easy to overlook but vital to keep you from covering the cost of damage if you don’t have to. If you are looking for any further guidance in the move-out or move-in process don’t hesitate to reach out to Innovative Properties. With over 30 years in the business, we know what it takes to please tenants and clients. We can help you with even the most difficult problems.

About Innovative Properties

Innovative Properties is a property management company in Anne Arundel County focused on helping residential, commercial, & HOA property clients. With over 30 years of experience in property management and leasing, we can help you rent, sell, or buy your next property in Anne Arundel County.