Except for home owners all others ("tacit enablers") turn a blind eye to this deceptive practice that costs home owners upwards of $10 million a year in Colorado.

For some it's cars, for vets the toys are often guns and a healthy dose of freedom.If my wife didn't keep me in line, I'd probably tack black sheets up instead of having purchased blinds to be honest, in those parts of the home where guests will not see.

He called and said he peeked through the window, as the blinds were open and the place was nearly empty, just a few boxes stacked up.  

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut.

What type of window coverings are in the property.....a decent tenant might have curtains or blinds in good shape where a bad tenant might have bed sheets, ripped up blinds or even aluminum foil.  

We itemize under each category with specifics, here is an example from one of our move-outs:CREDITAmount held as Security Deposit: $800DEBIT Less Deductions for Missing Items: $3010 year lithium battery from smoke detector ($10)Seat cushion from kitchen bench ($20)Less Deductions for Damages: $170Patio – stain ($20)     Living Room – one broken window pane ($50)     Living Room – five inch spot on carpet from black sharpie pen ($50)     Living Room – one broken wand on blinds ($5)      Front Bedroom – one bent curtain rod ($5)Back Bedroom - door handle bent ($10)     Kitchen - cabinet drawer wood broken ($30)Less for Extra Cleaning $110Stove Top ($25)     Range Hood ($20)     Kitchen Sink ($20)     Ceiling Fan ($15)     Walls – extra cleaning of grime & pen marks ($10)     Floor Vents - debris in ducts ($10)     Outside Debris ($10)Less for Unpaid Utilities $12     Electric (changed by tenant too early, $12 for Nov 20 to Nov 30)[Credits $800 Less Debits $322 = $468]Total Due from Landlord to Tenant (Check Enclosed) $468

this question is being asked here ALL the time for every area in the country. and it doesn't get any answers (99.99% of the time).that's because i (assuming it's true for everyone else) would never share my contacts with a competitor in fear of losing that contractor. kind of like setting up a blind date for your spouse..just being honest, that's all.

Though I am not going completely blind I have read several books an watched several podcasts but I know nothing beats experience!

If you're hiring blindly (i.e., no prior relationship), I suggest hiring contractors with a brick and mortar storefront or office that has staff of employees (field and office), that has been around for awhile and are, of course, properly licensed and insured.  

Close the blinds in easily accessible windows so prying eyes cannot see it's an empty place and perhaps an easy target to break in.8.