How long do you keep the file on tenants after they moved out?

Haven't gotten rid of any yet. They're still hanging out in Dropbox after 5 years. If I run out of space, I'll toss them. At the very least, I'd follow IRS audit limits which I think are 7 years.

Keep em forever - I was discussing requirements for 'substantial renovations' and 'remove property from the rental market' with my attorney the other day and heard some horror stories. Nothing that would happen to the average person if they were on the up and up but (here at least) they can come after you for stuff that happened while they were there for quite a few years later - word to the wise.

I have heard 'keep records as long as you own the property'; so that's what we are doing.

My state requires us to maintain records for two years after termination. I am still holding on to records ten years old. 

If you are in a state like California where people tend to sue more and courts tend to lean away from fairness, you should probably consider only keeping records for the minimum amount of time required.