Discover how a thorough final inspection allows you to bill tenants properly for any damages they may have caused.
One of the most common issues I see in property management is landlords losing money after tenants move out. Why? Because they don’t document properly or charge for damages the right way. At Tide Property Management, we’ve built systems that help owners avoid these headaches and I want to walk you through it. Here are four tips you need to know to protect your investment:
1. Start with a solid move-in inspection. Before your tenant gets the keys, complete a thorough move-in inspection. This includes detailed notes and photos of the entire property. You can do it yourself or hire an inspector, but make sure it’s documented well. We also recommend that tenants submit their own inspection within 72 hours of moving in. This protects both sides and gives us a fair baseline to compare against when they move out.
2. Plan ahead with a pre-move-out inspection. If you know a tenant is moving out in the next 30 to 60 days, schedule a pre-move-out walkthrough. This gives you time to assess any damage, order materials, or line up vendors so that there’s no delay once the property is vacant. You’ll also be able to flag anything that’s outside normal wear and tear so you’re prepared to handle it when the time comes.
“We work with landlords and investors to make sure their properties are protected, profitable, and legally compliant.”
3. Conduct a clear move-out inspection. Once the tenant is fully moved out and the property is empty, complete your move-out inspection. Use your move-in notes and photos as a side-by-side comparison. If there’s damage that wasn’t there before, like a hole in the drywall or a broken fixture, it becomes a resident charge. It’s about fairness and documentation, not guesswork.
4. Send charges and deposits within the legal deadline. In South Carolina (and many other states), landlords are required to send an itemized list of deductions and the remaining security deposit within 30 days of move-out. Missing that deadline puts you at legal risk and may cost you more in the long run.
We work with landlords and investors to make sure their properties are protected, profitable, and legally compliant. If you have questions about inspections, billing, or any part of the move-out process, give me a call at 803-727-7256, or send me an email to pierce@tidepm.com. We’re here to make property management easy, efficient, and stress-free.
