Q: Is there such a thing as a pre-move-out inspection?
After giving my 30 day move out notice, my landlord is telling me that they need to do a pre-move-out inspection. This is different from the final walk through. Do I have to let them in?
A: A landlord has a right to periodically inspect the rental property, regardless of what he calls it. That said, a tenant also has the right to refuse entry to the landlord so long as they do not do so unreasonably. If you don't want to deal with that, simply tell the landlord that you are otherwise too busy packing and preparing for your move and that he can inspect once you have everything out. An inspection before then is pretty much meaningless anyway except that he could point out things that he thinks you are responsible for, giving you an opportunity to fix before leaving rather than be charged for later. Bottom line is that if you are already going to be gone in less than 30 days, on a practical basis there is not much that a landlord can do if you simply refuse him entry. If he enters anyway, and you can prove it, it should be worth a month's rent to you, plus your court costs and attorneys fees. Be sure the landlord has a forwarding address for you to send your security deposit refund or a written accounting (NOT email, text, etc.) to you within 31 days of your restoring possession. If they do not, you likely are entitled to recover twice the amount, plus your court costs and attorney's fees. Good luck.
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