Security Deposit return

[Brenda Boom]

Hi, does anyone have a document of charges i can use as a basic guide to be fair when returning my tenants security deposit?  

[Steve Rozenberg]

If you PM me we have a 2 page itemized addendum that they have to sign which shows what every item that will be charged and deducted off of their security deposit.

Prior to the tenant moving in we take 150-200 pictures of the property interior and exterior moving in a clockwise direction (there is  reason for this) throughout the house (blinds, cabinet doors, every drawer, etc) along with a video.

Then when the tenant moves out you back through clockwise direction and take the same exact pictures in the same order and the video again. 

Now you have a before detailed pictures of the house and video. Then you have an after, you also have a itemized pricing sheet that you can use to know how much to deduct for costs. 

Its all about you standing in court explaining to the judge how you came up with the fees for the deposit. You have before pictures and video, you have after pictures and video and you have an itemized sheet that they acknowledged and signed at move in.

I would also recommend when the tenant gives their 30 day notice that you send them the pictures and video of the before and remind them how the home looked when they moved in and how you expect it to look when you get it back