Pre move out inspection - Landlord Forum thread

Pre move out inspection by Daniel (CA) on June 8, 2012 @17:56

Pre move out inspection
In CA you are required to conduct a pre move out inspection before tenants move out. This is in addition to the Move Out Inspection that you conduct after the tenants move out.
What do I write to the tenant if the areas in the apartment were not accessible for inspection? ( My questions is in regards to part E below.
( here is a flow chart)

A. – [ tenant gives 30 days notice to move out before 1st of the month]
B. – [ LL give acknowledge notice regarding tenants rights to pre-Move out Inspection]
C. – [ LL gives 48 hour notice for pre-Move out Inspection]
D. – [ LL conducts pre-Move out Inspection ]
E. – [ LL provides tenant with list of items to correct and modify ]
F. – [ tenant has opportunity to make corrections listed in the pre-Move out Inspection report ]

What is the purpose of this inspection, if the tenant has not moved out yet, and one can not conduct a thorough inspection as if the apartment was empty? Is it just to inspect for obvious issues like paint, cleanliness, and overt items that can be used to instruct the tenants to avoid SD deductions?
For example, the inspection that I conducted yesterday, the tenants were not home, but since I provided a 48 hour notice, I then entered and tried to do an inspection. The overall condition of the apartment was clean and good condition. But I was “unable to look behind the couch, entertainment center”. However, the bathroom had issues: there was mildew, mold on the tiles and shower curtain liner. The bathroom counter was full of items and as I said, a thorough inspection was not possible.

“My plan is to send tenants a notice, that the inspection was attempted , but was unable to conclude based on areas being inaccessible.”

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Re: Pre move out inspection by Jake on June 8, 2012 @18:24	[ Reply ]

Do you plan on making your pre-move out inspection when the tenant is not present? If so, that is not a good idea. Make an appointment to inspect and have the tenant present to give access to all areas.

Re: Pre move out inspection

Re: Pre move out inspection by NY-LL on June 8, 2012 @20:45	[ Reply ]

California Department of Consumer Affairs Initial Inspection Before Tenant Moves Out http://www.thelpa.com/lpa/landlord-tenant-law/ca-preinsp.html California Association of Realtors Pre-Move Out Inspection Statement http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/rjaurequi/Pre-Moveout%20Inspection%20Statement.pdf

Re: Pre move out inspection

Re: Pre move out inspection by Anonymous on June 8, 2012 @23:10	[ Reply ]

Daniel, The purpose of the pre moveout inspection is to give the tenant notice of what needs to be fixed/cleaned before they move out and for what they will possibly be charged. Do you use a checklist? My checklist also includes a paragraph which says that this is not a final inspection and that will be conducted once the tenant has vacated the premises. It also states that any damages found after furniture is moved will be repaired and charged accordingly. This is in accordance with CA law. I don't get strung about the pre moveout inspections anymore. To offer them is a requirement, most tenants like them because it alerts them to the things that need to be done in order recoup their deposit. Since I have become diligent about them, most tenants get all or most of their deposits returned to them. I'm happy because I get a house returned to me in good condition with very little fine-tuning to do and the tenant is happy. If you make sure to have all your paperwork with you, as required, it's a breeze. I also have a wand scanner now, so I scan all the documents on premises so I can leave a copy with tenant for their immediate use.

Re: Pre move out inspection