Jacksonville Property Management Blog

The best move out checklist for landlords will closely resemble the checklist that’s used during the move in process. The idea is to compare the condition of your home before the tenants moved in and after they have vacated. This will be a crucial document when it comes to determining whether the full security deposit will be returned to the tenant or part of it will be withheld to pay for damages.

Moving In

Your move out checklist starts when a tenant moves in. Go through the property and note its condition in detail. Take a lot of pictures and don’t leave anything out. You want to document every room, each floor, the walls, the appliances, the closets, and the ceilings. Capture the condition of the paint, whether there are any visible scratches, and if something looks old or worn. Give your tenants the opportunity to contribute to this inspection report, and then make sure you and your tenants sign the move in checklist so everyone agrees on the condition of the home at move in.

Document Ongoing Maintenance

Throughout the lease term, keep careful records of any maintenance that’s performed at the property. Document anything that is fixed or replaced, and keep track of any problems that the tenants continue to have with appliances or systems. When you inspect the property, or send a contractor over to do work, make notes on how the home looks and whether there is any reason to be concerned about how a tenant is caring for it.

Moving Out

When tenants give notice of their intent to move out at the end of the lease, follow up immediately with your acknowledgement as well as a list of things they need to do before leaving. That might include cleaning requirements, returning keys, and replacing things like air filters, light bulbs, and smoke detector batteries. After the tenants and their belongings have been moved out, you need to go through the property with your move in checklist. Make notes and take pictures so you can see if anything has been damaged or changed. There is bound to be normal wear and tear, which you cannot charge the security deposit for. Small nail holes in the walls and scuff marks where furniture was placed will need to be allowed. However, if you notice torn carpet, large holes in your walls, or a filthy refrigerator that has rotting food in it, you can charge the tenant’s deposit for the cost of taking care of these items.

A good move out process starts when a tenant signs the lease. If you have any questions about this or anything pertaining to property management in Jacksonville, FL, please contact us at Heth Realty.