Landlords and tenants are encouraged to discuss and resolve claims. Follow these simple steps to avoid conflict:
- The landlord and tenant should do a "move-in" inspection together and complete and sign a "condition of premises checklist." You may use your own checklist or use the provided Condition of Premises Checklist.
- Do a "move-out" inspection with the tenant on the same checklist.
- After the "move-out" inspection, discuss damages with the tenant and negotiate an agreement on the damages you may withhold and the balance to be paid to the tenant. The landlord and tenant both sign the checklist agreeing to the disposition of the security deposit and both get a copy.
- Pay the refund, if any, as agreed with the tenant.
You may find more information on the Resolving a Tenancy Dispute page.