Normal wear and tear is different than damage caused by tenants. To avoid disputes on that, it is advisable for landlords to clearly have it stated in the lease agreement. A landlord cannot claim compensation from the tenant for anything that constitutes wear and tear. A worn carpet from being walked on is a perfect example of normal wear and tear. The term “fair wear and tear” refers to the unavoidable damage that happens through regular, day-to-day use of a property. Landlords should compare the state of the property to the photographs attached to the chattels list created when the tenant first moved in. They should take notes and photographs, while checking things such as the integrity of the walls, ceiling, and floors, looking for any surface damage and stains. In order to properly conduct the chattels check, landlords should inspect the property room by room. While it is possible to use a rental property management company for this purpose, which makes the job a lot easier, a lot of landlords choose to do it themselves. How to check chattelsĭuring the final inspection, a landlord must carefully tick off every item in the house against their chattels list. This is a particularly important document that is often supported by photographs and which provides landlords with tangible evidence of the exact contents and condition of the property when a tenant first moves in. The final inspection: a bit of theory The inventory/chattels list: what it isĪn inventory/chattels list is a detailed list of every item within a property, which includes fixtures and fittings, cupboards, windows, doors, kitchen appliances, and furniture, and its condition. Abandoned personal property: When tenants skip move-out inspections, landlords can find themselves with abandoned personal property that they must figure out a way to dispose of, which often strains a landlord-tenant relationship.Failure of payment of past-due water bills: If a landlord neglects to monitor the payment of water bills that are in the tenant’s name before they leave, they may find themselves stuck with unpaid bills.Bond refund issues: Disputes can often arise between tenant-landlord when deductions have to be made from the tenant’s bond for cleaning fees or repairs.Some common problems that landlords face when tenants are leaving are: Difficulties faced when a tenant is leaving When the parties have a cooperative landlord-tenant relationship, they can mutually agree to end a tenancy early, in both a fixed-term or periodic agreement.įor advice on particularly difficult tenancies, it is best to consult with a professional property manager for the best course of action. For a fixed-term tenancy agreements, between 21 and 90 days before the end of the fixed term, a landlord can give notice to say that they do not wish to continue the tenancy after the end date. HOWEVER – without pictures, either the tenant or landlord may have a hard time proving it in court.It is not uncommon for a tenancy to not continue for various reasons, and landlords may find even themselves in a position where they wish to end it early.Īs a general rule, landlords need to give their tenants a minimum of 90 days’ notice, which must be delivered officially, in written format. If the landlord / tenant can both sign the form then there is meeting of minds at that time. This form or checklist will serve as your notes about the condition of the unit when you moved in and when you move out. It will help you should you need to charge from the security deposit for damages beyond normal wear and tear. The form will help you document the unit when the moves in and out.
Like the tenant MOVE IN / MOVE OUT Checklist is a great tool to use to document your rental unit. Make notes, make a copy for yourself (scan, take picture etc) and save it. Our popular MOVE IN / MOVE OUT Checklist is a great tool to use to document your rental unit. MOVE IN-OUT CHECKLIST Landlords and Tenants