Walkthrough with Tenant When Moving Out?

[Matt Ryan]

Greetings-

I was hoping for some opinions on whether or not most landlords are conducting a final walk through with their tenants when they move out of a unit.

I provide my tenants with a detailed checklist, including common charges, when they sign the lease and again before they get ready to move out. I also have been scheduling a walkthrough on their move out day, clearly stating that it is a preliminary walkthrough and that not all security deposit charges will/can be identified at that time. I, of course, mail them their refund within the required time frame and document all charges from it.

I am considering changing my practice of holding a move-out walkthrough. I have found that some tenants use this opportunity to attempt to dispute damages (with no proof) or expect to leave the walkthrough with a comprehensive, itemized list of all charges (which I don't have the time to complete then, nor exact charges on some items yet). In short, it ends up being a somewhat uncomfortable last meeting, especially if the tenant is responsible for quite a few damages.

How are others handling key turn-in/move out? Is a walkthrough with the tenant generally common practice?

Thanks in advance for any input!

Matt