How to Avoid Problems Upon Move-Out
It doesn’t matter if you are a tenant or a landlord, there are a number of potential problems that may arise during the move-out process. Fortunately, by understanding the responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord can make this process much easier for both parties. Here’s a quick look at some of the most common situations that arise and how to avoid problems upon move-out
Communication Is Essential
The first and most important steps that can be taken to avoid problems upon move-out is ensuring that there is an open line of communication. There are two issues in particular which should receive special attention. The first situation is actually alerting the landlord that you will be leaving. Even if your lease is expiring, you should still give them a written notice 30 days before you plan on leaving. This ensures that you will not get assessed any additional fees, such as the next month’s rent. Plus, the landlord will then have a written document that will help them stay organized as well. It will also allow them to alert incoming tenants when your space will be made available.
The second area where communication is essential is letting your landlord know what your forwarding addresses. Not only will this ensure that you get the remaining balance of your security deposit back quickly, it also gives them a way to contact you if a problem arises. A lot of times, both landlords and tenants have issues that need to be addressed, but don’t know how to contact each other. If this happens, there is little chance the situation will be resolved.
Refer Back To the Move In Inspection and Document the Condition of the Rental Space
The move-in inspection should have included a step where the tenant filled out a detailed report about the condition of the rental space. This not only protects the tenant from paying for damages that occurred before they moved in, but also provides the landlord and tenant a starting point for the move out process. As a tenant, you will know what damage you caused and can then make an effort to repair it, if you want to recoup as much of your security deposit as possible. As a landlord, it will help you determine what damages you will need to repair before a new tenant moves in.
Upon moving out, it is always helpful if the tenant and landlord have the same information as far as damage is concerned. As a tenant it is a good idea to not only make a note of any damages that you caused, but also to take photos of every room once you have completely moved out and cleaned everything. This way, you will know exactly what the landlord will see. Plus, they will be photos as well to document any expenses or repairs that they will take out of your security deposit.
In short, if you are trying to find out how to avoid problems upon move-out, it all comes down to effective communication and documentation on the part of both the landlord and tenant.
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