Holdover Tenant- Move Out Requirements

[Joseph Lee]

Hey everyone,

My wife and I bought a duplex that had a holdover tenant on a month-to-month lease in one unit. She's given us proper notice to vacate and will be moving out at the end of Feb. How would you recommend handling the move-out inspection and return of her deposit? In terms of the condition of the unit, it seems as though we can only hold her to the condition it was in when we purchased the property (which was a month ago), not necessarily the condition that the unit was in 20 years ago when she moved in less normal wear and tear. Would you agree with that? Can we still communicate that we expect the unit to be cleaned to a 'rent-ready' condition in order for her to get her complete deposit back? Are there any other departures from a standard move out procedure and inspection process that you would recommend?