No Landlord-Tenant checklist

[Cal Rohrman]

Hi guys,

I'm currenlty evicting a tenant on a property I just bought. They have been there for 3+ years and claim they do not have the checklist of general conditions from initial move in. I contacted the previous owners of the property and they do not have one either. What do you guys suggest I should do?

Should I negotiate with the tenant and come to an agreeement? The place is not in great shape, like the current landlord said it was before she moved in. 

Any suggestions would be much apperciated!!  Thank you

[Ralph R.]

Cal Rohrman There is a lesson here. The condition of the property should have been taken in to account when you bought it. It depends on what is tenant damage and what is wear and tear. Paint, carpet, floors, etc are yours. Holes in the walls,trash, dirty appliances broken doors would normally be the tenants. It's going to be tough to get paid for that stuff without proof that this tenant and not another caused these damages. Next time you will either get a check list or an allowance in the purchase price for this stuff. Better get an Estopple agreement as well if you didn't get one this time. RR