During the period I owned rental apartments, I must admit, I enjoyed a number of amazing tenants, who immaculately maintained the unit they rented, welcomed my calls, paid on time, and adhered to every paragraph of their annual or short term lease. I also tolerated quite a few average renters who routinely paid beyond the due date, called late at night for problems they could have advised me of before the sun set, and left an apartment sorely in need of deep cleaning. But I also had a few renters from hell. This latter group I would not wish on my worst enemy. It is they against whom I am arming you today, with these 10 vital points to be aware of when you learn your tenant is planning to move out.

1. Top 10 things to be aware of when
tenants are moving out

2. This is a RULE, not a suggestion, and should be the first item on your ‘new
landlord’ list of to-dos, as well as your last, once your tenant announces
intent to depart the premises.
Periodically updating the information you obtain is essential, as laws
change. Regulations governing rental properties vary from state to state,
county to county, and occasionally, from city to city.
1. Be aware of the tenant laws
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

3. 1
Be aware of the tenant laws in your area
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io
This is a RULE, not a suggestion, and should be the first item on your ‘new
landlord’ list of to-dos, as well as your last, once your tenant announces
intent to depart the premises.
Periodically updating the information you obtain is essential, as laws
change. Regulations governing rental properties vary from state to state,
county to county, and occasionally, from city to city.

4. This should speak for itself. People hear what they want to hear and recall
what they want to recall — even the best of them. It’s human nature.
Toss in a little stress and a dash of self-interest, and memory flies out the
window. Because of this, and to avoid your own misunderstanding, it is a
good practice to document all important contacts and conversations at the
moment they occur.
2
Document your interactions with tenants from the moment they announce
they are not renewing, are leaving mid-lease, or are just plain leaving.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

5. They must know that the cost of replacing any missing items will be
deducted from their deposit, along with costs for repairing any damages.
The lease should always point out that the expense of a final cleaning is
the renter’s obligation and will be deducted from their deposit before any
balance is returned to them, unless paid separately.
3
Remind departing tenants of what interior and exterior additions to the
basic space are yours, and inform them that final inspection
will include a check of all inventoried items.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

6. Again, this is a pointer that applies at the beginning of a lease, to provide
protection at its end, or when a tenant leaves unexpectedly for any reason.
Sit down with pencil and paper — or with your accountant, if you prefer —
and imagine the worst.
4
Ensure that deposits actually cover anticipated costs once a
tenant leaves.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

7. Waiting to inspect after the tenant has departed is unfair to the tenant.
Inspecting before the tenant has left affords them the opportunity to make
repairs, replace items (after discussion to assure the replacement is
adequate) and clean the premises thoroughly on their own nickel, rather
than lose a deposit that might be counted on toward a first-and-last deposit
on their next rental, or in the purchase of a home.
5
Inspect the premises BEFORE tenants leave.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

8. Landlords have often been blindsided by tenant-caused damages that do
not come to light until the tenant has left town, is in another state, is not
returning your calls, or ignores your letters.
Don’t invent, but don’t discount, any problems that become apparent after
the renter’s personal possessions have been removed, when removal
allows a closer inspection.
6
Inspect again a few days AFTER the tenant has departed.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

9. Most states and municipalities allow 30–45 days for a landlord to retain a
deposit before being obligated by law to return it. Make good use of the
time allowed to ensure losses are covered.
7
Because of point 5, never return a deposit until the law
obligates you to do so.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

10. 8
Never — and I mean never — badmouth departed tenants to the
neighbours.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io
A thoughtless, but disparaging remark about former renter is dangerous,
and can spark a winnable lawsuit for defamation of character. A landlord
rarely knows the extent of the tenant’s relationships with neighbours and
even a casual acquaintance will be eager to report your words, if a new
address or other contact information has been left with them for mail
forwarding.
No matter how strong your feelings are, just DON’T.

11. 9
If tenants are leaving in violation of the lease, or have left without
warning, seek legal assistance immediately, unless there are
unavoidable, extenuating circumstances.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io
Sometimes bad things happen to good people. In those instances, wish them well, do your
inspections, settle deposit issues and start placing ads.
if you cannot rent the property, and have documented your unsuccessful efforts; Then — and
only then — do you have legal grounds to demand that the departing tenant be held liable for
the monetary balance remaining on the lease. Again, seek legal or real estate help to learn the
available remedies.

12. Do not begin cleanup before the premises have been seen by the law enforcement
officer assigned to your case. Police photos will be taken to substantiate any charges,
but take your own — lots of them — for insurance purposes.
10
If a tenant leaves and, upon inspection, it is apparent that extensive and
intentional damages have been incurred that are extensive and
presumably intentional, do not hesitate to make a police report —
immediately, not later.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

13. ‘Nuff said. Consider yourself wiser.
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

14. Zora helps landlords land and keep great tenants by removing
uncertainty about who to rent to and when you'll get paid.
Try it for free at www.zora.io
Land and Keep Great Tenants at www.zora.io

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