Inherited tenant-security deposit- original condition? Don’t know

[Allana Alex]

Any ideas on how to proceed with security deposit if you have no idea what the condition of apartment was prior to purchase and damage will likely be the result of wear and tear as previous landlords did nothing to maintain apartment tenant has been in for 10 years?

I purchased a house with tenant that has since left. I have to do a walkthrough in a few days.   I find myself in a difficult position. Tenant has  been in property for over 10 years and previous landlords did nothing to maintain the apartment. What i do know is tenant took the time to paint the apartment on her own which includes colors of green, blue and red and she had her wood floors stained because “she was tired of the color” i suspect it was to hide scratches and cat urine spots. 

Lease said no pets she had two cats.  No pet deposit was ever taken.  I am concerned about the smell of the cats and possible spraying on the walls and stains to the wood floor from cat urine that i may not see because she went ahead and stained the floors.   so I think i should take some money for a cleaner to clean the entire apartment including walls.  My hope is that this will help minimize smells for the next tenant.

There is also a hideous incomplete popcorn ceiling in the living room that i don’t believe was rented to her this way it’s just so terrible looking i can’t even imagine.  But i don’t know. Also, I learned from someone that she removed a ceiling fan that she purchased (but again, i don’t know and have no idea what fixtures were there. Asking previous landlord about these issues is pointless he kept the house for 3 years took the money and ran and previous owner who would know is now deceased )

Any suggestions?  At this point what stands out as obvious is the cleaning fee and a small amount for paint as i may need to put one extra coat because of the bright colors she put. 

Any ideas what to look for, consider, charge for when i do this walk through?