Move-Out Inspection TX With Tenant

[Bailey A.]

My first nightmare is almost over! I’ve got a tenant in TX (who has breached the lease twice including smoking in the property) who’s lease ends on New Years Eve. Of course, I won’t be doing the move out inspection until after that date after getting keys (within four days). She’s requesting to attend the move out inspection. I want to avoid this at all cost. Any suggestions that keep me within the law? I don’t see anything that suggest I’m required to let her attend.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Bailey A.:

My first nightmare is almost over! I’ve got a tenant in TX (who has breached the lease twice including smoking in the property) who’s lease ends on New Years Eve. Of course, I won’t be doing the move out inspection until after that date after getting keys (within four days). She’s requesting to attend the move out inspection. I want to avoid this at all cost. Any suggestions that keep me within the law? I don’t see anything that suggest I’m required to let her attend.

I do not allow tenants to be present for the final inspection. They will try to distract you, negotiate with you, make excuses, argue, threaten, or whatever. I recommend your lease and move-out instructions make it clear that your final inspection is done without the Tenant.

 If you feel obligated, tell her: "I will conduct a walk-through inspection with you to give you a general idea of what I see, but you need to know that the final inspection will be done by myself and without interruption. I may find additional areas of concern during my final inspection."