Condition of the Rental Property

[Bob Drew]

I am a newbie landlord and am renting out my first property. Had a showing yesterday and the lady noticed a loose cabinet door in the kitchen and stain

on a small portion of the ceiling. She wanted to make sure that she wouldn't be charged for it when the lease ends. How do I legally document

the current state of the house (I have made several upgrades such as granite countertops, refinished hardwood etc) and protect both of us when the lease

expires and I have to refund the deposit?

Thanks in advance

[Andrew B.]

move in/move out condition report. signed by both you and tenant. it should explain what condition everything is in when lease begins. if something is new, state it. if something is broken, state it. also, take more photos and video than you think is necessary. if tenant disputes a security deposit deduction, you need proof of original condition. my philosophy is "if its not in writing, it didn't happen." if you have no proof of condition upon move in, you cannot charge tenant for it.