OfflineDo you want to get your rental units returned in good order with little or no work required on your part? This will help your bottom line and help keep more dollars in your pocket.
Before your tenant moves in you should give them a checklist and write down everything they see that is wrong or damaged in the rental unit. After returning the list to you put it in their file. Use it when you walk thru with them as they move out. If you find problems with them as they are moving out then give them an opportunity to do the repair (provided it does not interfere with your move in of the next tenant.
Typically you will have 30 days to refund the deposit. If they leave it "rent ready" give them their money as soon as possible. In some states a land lord may be responsible for unpaid utilites. Make sure ther are none before issuing a refund.
By using a check in list that is signed by the tenant, there is less questions about what was damaged when they moved in. Good Luck.
Roy Voeks
Official RE Coach
Wouldn't hurt to invest a couple of hundred dollars in a flip phone and record the initial walk through with them to document the condition of the house when they rented it.