Inherited Tenants fill out move-in inspection?

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Inherited Tenants fill out move-in inspection?

Jordan B.
Real Estate Agent · Long Island NY · Member since 2017 · 89 posts · 33 votes

Hello BP,

When inheriting tenants, do you do an entire "move-in type inspection" with them when first taking over the property? 

Thank you,

Jordan

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Rebecca Panosso
Debary, FL · Member since 2017 · 9 posts · 10 votes
8y
Yes. I tell them “this is your starting point any damage from here is your responsibility” I have had tenants paint a room and other issues after that inspections I had a record that the they indeed did the painting
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  • Sai T.
    Investor · West Chester , PA · Member since 2011 · 620 posts · 138 votes
    8y

    I’m not sure if it will help you anyway when they move out ? 

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  • Rebecca Panosso
    Debary, FL · Member since 2017 · 9 posts · 10 votes
    8y
    Yes. I tell them “this is your starting point any damage from here is your responsibility” I have had tenants paint a room and other issues after that inspections I had a record that the they indeed did the painting
    1Reply
  • Brian Hughes
    Seattle, WA · Member since 2017 · 275 posts · 223 votes
    8y

    The tenants that were occupying the 4-plex I bought in 2014 were on rental agreements that had been pulled out of a cracker jack box.     They managed to specify the rent amount, deposit, and MtM terms but that was about it.  Among many other problems there was no condition inspection.   In WA I don't think you can take or hold a deposit without it.   In any case gave everybody 30 days notice that I was amending the agreement and asking everybody to sign new month-to-month agreements including condition inspections using the local rental association's forms.   I made it clear I wasn't raising rent (at that time) or re-screening anybody, and any pre-existing condition or damage problems as of the point they signed the new agreement would not be held against them.

    Out of 3 occupants (4th unit was vacant at that point) 2 were happy to sign because they knew how terrible the current agreements were.   The 3rd who was a personal friend of the prior owners grumbled about it a bit but eventually came around when he saw me starting to fix all the stuff the prior owners ignored.

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  • John Park
    Investor · Lewisville, TX · Member since 2017 · 21 posts · 48 votes
    8y
    I inherited a tenant and did perform an inspection with her to have a baseline moving forward. There were a few existing holes in the walls and doors that I took note of and told her that anything above and beyond what we note on the inspection will be her responsibility and that I would not be fixing the existing cosmetic issues anytime soon.
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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    8y

    I agree with @Rebecca Panosso. You have to work with what you've got. Whether the law requires it or not, you should document the condition of the property the day you take possession. That protects you from that point forward.

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  • Alicia Gates
    Maryville, TN · Member since 2017 · 23 posts · 10 votes
    7y

    Thank you for asking this question!!  I have been looking for an answer regarding this and this is the first post I've seen to address the issue.  Based on the responses you received I'm going to plan on doing a move-in checklist with my soon-to-be inherited tenants, just so I have a baseline going forward.  

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