Can a 10 minute video really avoid a lawsuits?
Recently, I had a great conversation with one of Renting Authority’s members. He mentioned that he always video tapes his properties before a tenant moves in.
This is really a great idea that I need to share with you. Here are a few tips.
Date the video and show the new tenant in the video. Hold up a newspaper if needed.
Outside: video the outside and include the yard, fence, sidewalk, stairs, rain gutter, roof (if possible), doors and locks, windows and exterior of structure
Inside
Walls: make mention of holes and paint condition
Carpet: wear, quality and condition
Kitchen: show functioning appliances - plumbing, kitchen condition
Bathroom: show functioning plumbing, cleanliness, lack of mold (I hope)
Let the tenant know you have video documentation of the rental’s present state. Video taping will help safe guard you from lawsuits. It is great documentation. This also eliminates disputes about the condition of your property once the tenant moves out.
Spending an extra 30 minutes video taping before a tenant moves in could save you a lot of money and headaches down the road
To your success,
Troy Boldt
tboldt@rentingauthority.com
www.RentingAuthority.com
Join the forum discussion on this post - (3) PostsWelcome back!
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Great idea.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Great! Thaks, I will definetly use it form now on.
February 12th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Great idea! I was taking pictures of the condo and the date is on them but I like the Video idea better, especially right in front of the new tenants, it may make them think before destroy. lol. Love your helpful hints, been leasing for about 7 years now, and still dont have a clue about what I’m doing, but you help tremendously!
Thank you I use your forms (I hope the law will allow them. Had to evict a tenant couple yrs ago and it was crazy! but I learned alot about the legal system (it stinks) and what I can and can’t do.
I dont understand why the tenants can stay IN MY HOME for another month without paying? whats up with that? but anyhow, that turned out ok cost me lots of money but worth the knowledge. Thanks again. Laura
March 20th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Thank you for sending this info.
Robin S
Cumming, GA
March 22nd, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I REALLY liked your post and blog! It took me a little bit to find your site…but I book marked it. Would you mind if I but a link back to my site?
June 11th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
thanks !! very helpful post!