Move out day is quickly approaching for many of our Renters. As you budget your time between packing all your possessions, coordinating the move to a new home or new city, all while attempting to follow through with your family’s daily obligations, worrying about your security deposit can easily be put on the backburner. McGrath Real Estate wants your move out inspection to be the smoothest part of your move. Every spring and summer, McGrath Real Estate conducts approximately 350 move in and move out inspections (April 1st-August 31st) and we’ve really seen it all. The majority of the time inspections go very easily and all parties leave happy! It’s our goal to have every Renter leave their McGrath managed home feeling that they understood their obligations under the lease and are satisfied that they were treated fairly by their Landlord and McGrath Real Estate.
In an effort to be as helpful to you as possible, we’ve compiled a checklist of exit inspection items to make sure that you complete before your move out inspection (note; if you have an unusual or extenuating circumstances and are concerned something might be a security deposit issue, please contact our Inspections Department and they can help guide you to the best solution). The Exit Inspection Checklist will be emailed to you when you give your 60 days’ notice and is also available anytime on our website under “Current Renter Resources.” We also recommend that you schedule your move out inspection as early as possible to make sure a time is available that is most convenient to you and your family. Inspections are performed from 9am-4pm Monday through Friday (Weekend move-ins can be done for an additional $100).
The move out inspection is a thorough walk through of the entire property that will pinpoint areas of normal “wear and tear” and, if present, abuse and neglect. The condition of the property is compared to the condition at move-in using the report and pictures taken at the move-in walk through. Once the inspection is completed, we cannot allow you to re-enter the property to conduct further repairs. Below you will find a list of some common wear and tear items and abuse and neglect items but note that this is NOT an exclusive list and security deposit decisions are based on the facts and circumstances of each case.
If there is nothing wrong with the house, you will get your full security deposit back within 45-60 days. To expedite this process be sure to provide a forwarding address and phone number as well as provide proof of final payment of all utility bills. Luis Gutierrez, Inspections Manager at McGrath Real Estate Services explains, “If the house has damage to be repaired, 60 days is the maximum time it will take to receive the security deposit.” If it should take more than 60 days, and prices for repairs have not been established, McGrath Real Estate Services will contact the Renter in written form to explain the situation. We will always do our best to return your security deposit as quickly as possible, during the busy summer months, we have 45 move-out inspections occur on a single day and there will be a delay in returning the deposit. We must take the time to properly and thoroughly analyze each inspection for both your benefit and your Landlords. We ask that you do have some patience and understand we’re working as quickly as possible.
In order to avoid any potential delays or misunderstandings regarding receiving your full reimbursement of the security deposit, be sure to take the time to thoroughly read the terms of the lease. We strongly advises all renters to be present for the move-in inspection and to walk through the property with their agent and keep track of areas within the home that need to be taken care of. Take “before” pictures along with careful notations of issues’ within the home for your own records.
Finally, maintain a positive relationship with your property manager. One of McGrath Real Estates’ key initiatives is to make your experience as positive and fluid as possible. If you ever have any questions regarding your move-in or move-out inspection or security deposit issues feel free to contact the Inspections Department at Inspections@McGrathRealEstate.com or (703) 870-7289.
