Move In inspection with inherited tenants?

[Aleksandar Popivoda]

Hello my fellow investors.
I am closing on my first rental property/ duplex in several days. Yes, it's an exciting time!
Anyway, the current tenants' leases expire in one/two months. In case one or both tenants decide to move out, how can I perform a Move Out inspection if I don't have the corresponding Move In inspection? Let's say, in the event there is a damage to the premises that the current owner is not aware of, how do I know what the condition of the property was prior to the tenants moving in or if they are trying to recoup their security deposit by claiming that the damage was there prior to the tenants moving in?

My inspection did not find anything alarming but I understand that the scope of inspection does not cover many wears and tears that are only visible after the tenant moves out. Btw, one tenant has a huge rottweiler that was locked in a cage in a bedroom, during the inspection. However, the inspector was not willing to enter that room anyway and risk the dog breaking out of the cage.

What would be the best practice in this case? Thanks.