A light renovation requires less specificity than a new construction build, and you'll have to gauge that accordingly, but you should err on the side of being more specific rather than less.Lastly, regarding materials purchases, you should NEVER let a contractor choose, purchase or pay for any finish materials or important elements like appliances, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, counters, cabinets, trim, doors, windows, or even things like paint and stain or varnish.

I personally wave pet deposits and make it abundantly clear that if your furry baby rips my trim apart or scratches my cabinet that I will be keeping all or most of your security deposit. the reality is, not allowing pets will just lead people to “get a dog” a few months after the lease started.

Aloha,We manage properties where the Tenant is required, per specific terms in the Rental Agreement, to maintain the specified area of the yard at least twice per month, to include grass cutting and trimming low shrubs to ensure they do not touch the house.

I'll be sure to do a check-in list and any scratching damage on walls or wood trim.

I would try to reach agreement on the tree trimming access as you have tried with the landlord.  

Punch list items are the non-permit issues like paint touch ups, trim that isn't quite straight, a cracked tile (yes, this happens), a water faucet that is hooked up backwards so the hot water comes out of the cold handle and vice versa, etc.

So it's in rough shape.Here's some details of the estimate:Job Details:Deep clean apartment before work is started Remove old flooring from kitchen, bathroom and living room Clean appliances Remove old ceiling tiles in kitchen, bathroom and living room Spray oil base primer throughout; walls, trim, ceilings and expose underlayment Spray finish paint coat throughout Replace ceiling tiles in living room Replace light fixtures in kitchen and living room Install new sheetrock on ceiling in bathroom and kitchen Install laminate flooring in living room and kitchen Install vinyl floor in bathroom Finish clean apartment for rent

Additionally, in 5-10 years you may need to pay for yearly gutter cleaning or trimming depending on location, size, etc. - not a huge cost but if trying to get out of your day job, a cost none the less.

I got an amazing deal on a bunch or wood (flooring, trim pieces, etc) from a local lumbar yard closing auction.

Its not the actual panels but the trim that is costly.