Questions a out moveout charges, (do/how) you respond to ex-tenants?

[Luke H.]

Hi all, hope all is well.  20 days after move out accounting letter sent, ex-tenant sent email asking about the charges on the move out.  He thinks the charges are too high, that he wasn't responsible for some items, and think I am updating the house using the deposit. He did get money back.

-Some feedback, or general response would be greatly appreciated.
-Do you all send pictures and/or receipts ?
-Am I even legally obligated to respond to them?

And here I thought I was being fair and not over doing it.
Thanks for any help on this.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Luke H.:

Check your state laws, but you are generally not required to engage in a back-and-forth discussion/argument with them.

My policy is to respond once. I send them a few pictures, just enough to show them that I have documentation, and make it clear that I have everything documented with photographs or video. I tell them they get one chance to appeal. I instruct them to send me details of the specific charges they are contesting and their supporting documentation. I will consider everything, make a decision, and respond within one week.

I manage 400 rentals and only 1-2 Tenants a year actually file an appeal. Once they see I have pictures of everything, they disappear.