Showing a messy unit

[Adam F.]

What's the best way to go about telling a messy tenant to tidy up so I can take photos / show their unit before they move out? There's nothing in the lease that requires them to keep the apartment clean, other than delivering it clean after they vacate. It doesn't need to be perfect, but at least presentable.

[JD Martin]

The best way is just to ask them nicely. But even better than that is wait until they move out, or have some stock photos ready for such an event. 

Unless absolutely necessary I don't show a place until it's empty. You want to put your best foot forward, eliminate odors (all people have them even those without pets) and clutter, and let the new person feel like this could be *their* home.