As of January 1, 2003, state law requires housing providers to conduct an inspection AFTER receiving notice that a tenant will be leaving, but BEFORE the tenant actually leaves. The idea is to give the tenant an opportunity to make repairs--if their lease permits it--before you make deductions from the security deposit. You are still entitled to make deductions if the repairs are not made, or if you discover more damage after the tenant has actually vacated the premises.

The new law has VERY specific requirements. We recommend you read our instructions or the law itself. Then consider downloading one or more of our forms:

• F67: Acknowledgment of Tenant's Notice to Vacate (Download)
• F67.5: Instructions for Pre-Move-Out Initial Inspection (Download)
• F67.7: Notice of Right to Request Pre-Move-Out Initial Inspection (Download)