Renters left behind a mess...

[003]

This is my 1st rental unit. It is only 6 years old.



I just had renters move out after 2 1/2 years. They had 2 kids and a puppy. I am replacing the carpet and painting the walls. I found pet food and garbage under the fridge and stove. Blinds need to be replaced. I would guess $2000 in damages.



Questions...



Should I put laminate hardwood floors in or carpet. Home Depot has very durable carpet for 3 dollars a square foot and nice hardwood for 99 cents a square foot plus 3 dollars a square foot for install of the hard wood. Carpet and hardwood laminate are about the same price. Hardwood laminate should last much longer.



I am using Petastic to get rid of the dog smell.



I should have gotten a pet damage deposit. I just found out about this.



Is it the renter or my responsibility to pay for painting.



Do I put in cleaning under the stove and fridge in the next renters contract or do I put in a clause that states the renter will be responsible for payment of professional cleaners.



The good news is this is the only damage. Cupboards where in great shape. Bathrooms where clean. They patched the holes from hanging stuff. They had the carpet cleaned. They paid the rent on time. They were really nice.



Where can i find info for "when a renter moves out". Does rein have a book?

 

[Thomas Beyer]

Rent should pay for most of it, i.e. damages and major cleaning, except paint. Keep their damage deposit (depending on province) and send them an invoice for the difference. Likely they will not pay. Know the land lording business rules: how to evict, leases, marketing, customer service, the landlord-tenant act. It is a business.


Yes, there is a book or REIN course module. One is called "Landlording Secretes" I believe.


Carpet or hardwood are both good choices, although if prices the same I'd go with hardwood. Laminate is ok for kitchen or bathrooms .. It looks too institutional or cheap for a livingroom or bedroom.

 

[housingrental]

I'd go with solid materials in a single family home whenever possible

From reading what you wrote other than the blinds you do not have any damages

 

[Sherilynn]

If they had the carpet cleaned and you can get rid of the smell, then why are you replacing it? If it is stained or damaged then you should be able to charge that to the tenant (prorated for its remaining life, so possibly not much left to charge anyway).



I wouldn't choose carpet if I was going to allow pets. I had two little dogs destroy an entire suite of carpet in 2 months. If you go with laminate, make sure it is good quality. There is some stuff that you would swear is wood (until you feel how cold it is).



In Alberta, we charge either a non-refundable pet deposit or a monthly pet fee (tenant's choice).



Painting cost is only the tenant's responsibility if there is damage. Normal wear and tear is not chargeable.



Any cleaning should be deducted, and you should be able to charge a reasonable fee for your own labour. (But don't clean it yourself unless it's just one thing. If you start cleaning 10 little things then next thing you know you've been there for 2 hours and you start to wonder why you ever bought the dumb house in the first place.)



As per REIN's move-out procedure, be sure to deliver a "Tenant's Move-Out Checklist" both at move-in and when you learn a tenant is leaving. Then they usually have at least a month to work on the list. Things like windows, lights, etc, can often be cleaned a month in advance and will still be clean enough to pass a move-out inspection. And if you give the checklist and it isn't done, the tenants have no excuse and you charge them for all cleaning.



Important points:

• deductions for cleaning and damage can only be made if you conduct a thorough move-in and move-out inspection, preferably with photos for both.
• be absolutely sure to get the tenants' forwarding address when you do the inspection, if not before. Can't collect or sue if you don't know where they are.
  never promise to give the deposit back at the inspection. Your province should have a guideline for when you must give the deposit and/or the statement of charges to the tenant. Sometimes things cost more than you think they will, and if you have already refunded the deposit then you're probably out of luck.

 

[REINteam]

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