Exiting Your Lease: The Importance of an Exit Inspection

As you approach the end of a lease, the landlord's demands can be both unexpected and rather alarming. One common request is for you to do an exit inspection. This step is crucial because it prevents the landlord from holding you responsible for hypothetical or pre-existing damages.

The Importance of Documentation

Documentation goes a long way in protecting your interests. If you fail to do an exit inspection, you risk being charged for damages you did not create, which can include costs that are significant and even lifesaving to your budget.

A Real-life Example

Once, I moved out of my apartment at the end of a lease, and the landlord demanded I carry out a thorough cleaning and inspection. When I refused to allow the inspection, the landlord accused me of causing extensive damage. After a tense exchange, it turned out that the carpets around the edges had been bleached due to someone cleaning the baseboards. The landlord had not documented this issue during the move-in inspection, but she insisted I was responsible for the damage.

I brought up the move-in inspection form, and she discovered that the issue had been documented there. In the end, she admitted that the damage was not mine and that I would not face charges. However, had I not done the exit inspection, I could have been charged thousands of dollars for carpet replacements I did not cause.

Adding to the Complexity

The issue didn’t stop with the carpets. There were also crayon markings on the interior of the closets and nail holes in the walls. Without a thorough exit inspection, I could have ended up paying for these damages as well, which would have been unfair.

Preventative Measures

Instead of risking such significant financial penalties, a walkthrough by both the landlord and the tenant during the move-out process can prevent misunderstandings and ensure a fair resolution.

Another Personal Experience

My first place on my own was an apartment in a building. When I moved out, the super declared the premises immaculate, better than ever. However, unbeknownst to me, the building owner conducted his own inspection and claimed damages costing exactly the amount of my deposit. It was a lesson in the importance of thorough documentation from my father’s perspective, as he advised not to fight it, as the deposit was not gigantic.

Walkthrough during Section VIII Inspection

Recently, I moved out of a house I was renting, and a friend moved in. Less than a month after moving out, he sent me a picture of a broken storm door handle and accused me of causing it. This was a clear example of a landlord attempting to blame the tenant.

The landlord had conducted a thorough walkthrough of the house for the Section VIII inspection my friend needed to move in. During this walkthrough, there was no mention of a broken handle. The section eight inspector and landlord also thoroughly documented any possible damages or needed repairs, and it would be highly unlikely for them to have missed a broken handle if it was in place.

When the landlord later demanded the handle be fixed, the friend was told that if he didn’t, the landlord would send someone to fix it at his expense, asserting that I didn’t break the handle. Had he not conducted a walkthrough, my friend might have faced unnecessary expenses and repairs.

Conclusion

In summary, conducting an exit inspection is a proactive measure that can protect you from unfairly being held responsible for damages you did not cause. Whether it’s the carpets, wall marks, or storm door handles, a walkthrough can clarify the condition of the property and safeguard your deposit. By being thorough and documentation, you ensure a fair and peaceful end to your lease.