Final Inspection

[Rachel Trubisky]

Hello! I've been reading other posts and trying to come up with the best plan. I have a good idea on what needs to happen but thought I would ask for your advice. We just had our first set of tenants move out. They cut their lease short but we agreed they could move out early. We told them we would be down on the 28th to collect keys and such. When we went down to the house they were already gone. We should receive our last payment from them on 6/24 so we didn't know how picky we should be on the final inspection. Obviously we want our final rent payment but at the same time I think they should be charged with anything at the house as well. They left a huge pile of trash at the end of the curb and cancelled their pick up so I've had to try to arrange that all weekend. It should be picked up today but I'm not sure about the price. We don't allow tenants put any holes in the wall since it's an older house with plaster walls. Because of this we provide the tv mounts which was discussed before they moved in. They took the mount from the living room. Took the ice tray from the freezer's ice maker, took the sink stoppers and an ironing board holder from the hallway and cut a screen on one of the Windows. They also put a padlock type thing on one of the bedroom doors, which is screwed into the door frame and door. I know none of these are major expenses but it adds up and they clearly are in the wrong. I also spent an entire day cleaning the house because they spilled something sticky all over the fridge, they left a box that had some sort of grease on the deck which got on the side of the house the door. I've scrubbed that a few times and have managed to get it off everything but the deck boards. How would you handle this? Thanks for your help!!!

[JD Martin]

Anything left with the house should be mentioned in the lease. I would deduct the cost of new sink strainers for sure, and if the ice maker tray is integral to the refrigerator I would deduct that cost as well. If the TV mounts aren't mentioned, that might be a harder sell unless you have pictures, but anything that's actual damage not considered normal wear and tear and not just needing cleaning is fair game. If you don't have a deposit, not good. If you have a deposit, itemize the repair costs and provide it to them as may be required by your local laws.