Tenant move out inspection requirements?

[Marty Bauer]

What is required for the tenant move out process and key exchange? The property is a duplex in Ohio. I have a volatile and problem tenant who is moving out soon and I want to minimize the face time at the move out and key exchange. Normally I’d walk through the unit with the tenant to do the inspection. Is this necessary? Or can we just collect the keys, ask them to leave and then do the unit inspection after they are gone? If the latter, what is the process for documenting any issues that would effect their security deposit? Thanks in advance!

[Nathan Gesner]

Does your state require you to conduct the inspection with the Tenant present?

I never conduct final inspections with the tenant present because they will try to distract every time. It's best to do it on your own so you can focus and be thorough.

If your state requires you to conduct it with the tenant, then bring a witness and record the entire thing (audio should be sufficient). Don't get into arguments about anything. Walk through, document in writing and with pictures or video, take notes about what the tenant says is not his fault, and move on. Even if the law requires their presence, it probably doesn't require you to give them an itemized list of deductions right there on the spot. Document and decide later in a safer environment.