#Zillow tenant move out checklist cracked#

Cracked tiles and broken hardwareĭamages to these items can be a judgment call. Additionally, some jurisdictions require landlords to paint interior walls after a set number of years (at their own expense) regardless of their condition, so check the requirements in your area. You might be able to specify in your lease agreement that tenants can’t insert screws or nails in your walls. Minor markings on the walls can be easily touched up or cleaned, but anything that changes the condition of the wall could be considered damage beyond normal wear and tear for a rental property, such as: New carpet that’s stained at the end of a one-year lease.

If tenants leave the carpets heavily damaged, you may need to deduct repairs or replacement costs from their security deposit. Many landlords include a provision in the lease stating that carpets will be professionally cleaned at the tenant’s expense after move out, which can eliminate quibbling over minor dirt and stains.

Light stains, which are expected over a period of a few years.

Shoe markings in the halls and main walkways.

Normal wear and tear for a rental property includes: Stained carpetsĬarpeting has a limited lifetime, especially if it’s a light color.

These general guidelines will help you determine whether damages to your rental property are the result of everyday use. Your renters aren’t responsible for normal wear and tear on the property, but that’s where things get murky: What exactly is normal wear and tear? It’s difficult to define, even more so because state and local regulations vary considerably (so be sure to research the statutes or exceptions for your area too). While a move-in checklist can help minimize disputes by documenting the condition of the unit before the tenant moves in, ultimately it’s up to you as the landlord to decide what’s normal wear and tear and what the renter needs to pay for. When a tenant moves out, inspecting your property for damage - and assessing a cost for it - can be difficult and stressful for everyone involved.