Premovout Inspection and receipts - Landlord Forum thread 348526

Premovout Inspection and receipts by Alex (CA) on September 24, 2016 @23:04

Here is my story. I got too busy with my life and forgot to show up for a move out inspection with one of my tenants ( guilty). The tenant simply left keys under the mat. I deducted some money from his security deposit and sent him an itemized statement with explanation of charges. Today I got an e-mail from him, where he is stating that a) he needs receipts for the labor/supplies ( since charges were over $126 b) he is going to take me to small court on the grounds that I missed the inspection and my charges are unlawful.
So, my questions are:
1. Do I need to provide him with actual receipts?
2. What are his chances of winning? I have pictures of the apartment which I took when the tenant moved out.

Thank you

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Re: Premovout Inspection and receipts by Anonymous on September 24, 2016 @23:13	[ Reply ]

You blew it. California requires you to give the pre-moveout inspection. Save yourself the trouble and give him back his entire security deposit. Chalk it up to "I couldn't be bothered."

Re: Premovout Inspection and receipts by Garry on September 25, 2016 @10:50	[ Reply ]

First, you have a 50/50 chance that the T will take you to court------he either will, or he won't. Second, you BOTH have a 50/50 chance of either winning or losing. You will both have to present your evidence, and a judge will make the final decision. If I were you, I would just hold tight, and let the former T decide what he wants to do. After all, the ball's in his court now. If you end up going to court, and losing, treat it as a cost of learning, just as if you would spend money on books, tapes, seminars, attorneys, etc. Then the next time, you will know what to do differently. It won't be the end of the world if you lose. It comes down to how much money it "could" cost you, for the knowledge gained. Education is not always free.

Re: Premovout Inspection and receipts by AnonymousFL on September 25, 2016 @13:59	[ Reply ]

Doing a quick look-up online, unless the tenant signed a waiver not requiring receipts for the work, the landlord MUST include copies of the receipts, invoices, and good faith estimates. If the landlord fails to do so, he gives up the right to deduct from the deposit. So, as the anonymous responder above said, if this goes to court you will very likely loose. Your best bet here would be to ask the ex-tenant to sit down and go over the receipts in person and try to settle on a lower deduction. I personally do not have a problem with doing this because they did do damage to the unit. If they are honest and responsible in any way, they may be willing to give up some of the deposit. However, if they know the legal side and do not care about your loses, it is best that you return the entire security deposit and consider it a costly lesson.

Re: Premovout Inspection and receipts

Re: Premovout Inspection and receipts by Joel on September 29, 2016 @00:20	[ Reply ]

You may want to check out The LPA LAndlord TEnant pages for CA Also California Pre-Moveout Inspection / Walk-through https://www.thelpa.com/lpa/landlord-tenant-law/ca-preinsp.html