The tenant move-out process needs to be consistent and well-documented, especially when it comes to security deposits. Today, we’re talking about the steps we take at Castle Property Management to oversee the move-out and the return of the security deposit.
Preparing for the End of a Tenancy
Perhaps you have a tenant who has been leasing your property for a year or two years or even a longer period. When you receive their notice that they’re planning to leave, you need to begin preparing to move that tenant out so you can get the property back on the rental market. The tenant’s first question is always: when am I getting my security deposit back? We would like to say quickly and in full, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Inspecting the Property and Evaluating its Condition
After the tenant has vacated, we will go inside and do a complete inspection of the property. We will compare its condition at move-out to the way it looked before the tenant moved in. This is why your move=in inspection and documentation is so critical. You need to be able to compare how it looked then to how it looks now.
Returning the Security Deposit
If there is no damage beyond normal wear and tear, we’ll return the security deposit in full to the tenant. However, if we do find damage or wear and tear that’s beyond normal, we will have security deposit issues. In this case, we take those issues to you, the property owner, and we work out a resolution. This is not always an easy process, but we have the experience and the knowledge to guide you through it and reach a successful outcome.
Virginia landlord and tenant laws are strict regarding the timely return of the security deposit and what owners can and cannot deduct from the tenant’s deposit.
If you have any questions about security deposits in Ashburn or anything pertaining to professional residence management, please contact us at Castle Property Management.
