Am I required to do a move out walk through with tenant?

[Joe P.]

Just bought my first rental property and I plan to live in one of the units.  I sent a notice of non renewal to the tenant and told her just to leave the keys in the mailbox.  I planned to just inspect the unit when she is gone but she says she will not leave the keys in the mailbox and she is requesting I do a walk through with her and sign move out papers.  Is that required?  I don't even have any move out paperwork to sign.

[Jennifer T.]

You are not required to do a walk through with her.  I assume by "move out" papers, she means a move-out checklist.  You can probably find a basic form on here or Google it.

I typically don't do a walk through, unless a tenant requests it.  And, even then, I clearly state that sometimes problems are found later and I will outline those (if applicable) in the security deposit statement that accompanies the SD check (if applicable).

As a warning, she might also be angling to get her SD check after the walk through.  It is absolutely baffling to me how many of my previous tenants have expected that (eye roll).  Never do that.

Though, I do agree with her about not wanting to leave the key in the mailbox.  If I were a renter, I'd be extremely uncomfortable with that also and would want to give it to a person or leave it at a secured location.  Because she could leave the place in perfect condition but then, who knows what could happen?  Some bored kids on summer break go looking for hidden keys in the neighborhood.  Jackpot!  And they vandalize the place for s**ts and giggles.  Sure, it's probably not likely, but it also happens.  Make no mistake that a common tactic of local thieves is to keep their eye out for "moving out or in" activities.