What’s your checklist for tenants upon leaving ?

[Zk Lani]

Hello fellow BP members.

I am working on a checklist for when tenants move in and out of my units. I heard on one of the early BP podcasts from 2013 that the guest has a punch list when they move in (condition of unit components) and when they move out (including cost of cleaning unit/appliances, replacing bulbs and other items, etc..). Do you guys think this is a good idea? Are you currently utilizing this strategy? If so, would you be kindly able to share what you do and have.

[Daryl Luc]

It's been my practice for years. I only have single family properties.  In addition to the checklist, I require any copies of photo or movies are sent to me at the time of the submission of the Move-in(within 5 days).  Failure to submit, is spelled out in the lease as acceptance of a premises with no issues to report.  Once I have the document, I make an appt. to walk through and inspect any items the tenant doesn't feel are up to expectation.  We agree or we agree to disagree, these are noted, with any corrections to be done, time frame and by whom.  All is initialed, signed and co-signed.  Copy is returned to the tenant.  Corrections done, memo to tenant re: same.  You get the picture.
At move out, that doc becomes the benchmark for what is not normal wear and tear.  Dirt is not normal wear and tear.  I have an attachment to the lease that outlines a couple pages of the items that have been dealt with over the years and estimated costs if they turn up.  Not too many problems with damages these days.