It protects the tenant's belongings, as well as their guests, plus liability.

The fact that they haven't missed a payment in 8 years is great and they look to be a family that would be long term.#3 - Young family of three - This is my wild card. 

When they reported the water they were mad because some belongings were damaged.

Hi BP,This past weekend, I learned that the tenants in one of my units are taking care of 3 dogs that do not belong to them.

It belongs to the tenants. 

She left basically everything in the house except personal belongings... food in the refrigerator, dishes in the kitchen, etc....

This avoids the argument from each tenant as to who the money belongs to, or who provided most of it.

But, one couple also told me that another tenant, supposedly, hides 5 cats in her apartment that are "feral," so she doesn't consider them to belong to her.But, I'm curious as to whether or not any of you landlords have had issues with feral cats and other feral animals being fed by tenants, as far as damage or noise - or as an excuse for the tenant to say they don't have an official pet (or too many pets) - because they are "only" feeding feral animals?

No way they'd just clear out their son's belongings, shut off utilities and close out apartment contract yet not report a 'missing person' to the authorities.

If the outgoing tenant really has a place to take all of her belongings, I would negotiate with her to do the bulk of the move on the 30th at your expense, if she will return possession of the unit and return the keys by sundown on the 31st.