19th Jan 2022

Landlord Tenant Checklist
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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Rental properties are in high demand in today’s Michigan housing market. People are jumping at the chance to sell their homes for top dollar, but they also are not interested in purchasing a home, which are valued at all-time highs. Instead, they are opting to rent until the housing market slows a bit. This flood of new renters and tenants has caused landlords to increase rental fees and conditions including lease terms, etc. It is important to thoroughly review your lease contract and inspect the rental property before signing the contract in order to fill out the Landlord-Tenant Checklist.

Before you sign a lease to a rental property, it is important to inspect the property. The reason for this is to make sure your living conditions are exactly how you expect them to be and to prevent any disputes that may arise with your landlord regarding the condition of the rental.

The State of Michigan requires the use of a Landlord-Tenant Checklist. This checklist is used to detail the condition of the rental unit before move in and after the lease term is finished. It would be a good idea for you and the landlord to complete the checklist together before move in and when your lease term ends. The checklist should include all items that the landlord owns in the rental property. The types of items that should be included on this checklist are:

  • Carpeting
  • Appliances
  • Windows and window treatments
  • Furniture
  • Closets
  • Shelves
  • Walls
  • Paint
  • Doors and locks
  • Plumbing and electrical fixtures
  • Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
  • Structural properties

The State of Michigan requires the following to be included on the checklist document from the landlord:

“You should complete this checklist, noting the condition of the rental property, and return it to the landlord within 7 days after obtaining possession of the rental unit. You are also entitled to request and receive a copy of the last termination inventory checklist which shows that claims were chargeable to the last prior tenants.”

It is important to document anything that is discussed between you and the landlord when it comes to repairs or improvements that are to be made. The tenants are also allowed to ask the landlord for checklists from previous tenants. This information could be helpful to know what has been problematic with the rental property in the past so it can be addressed before signing your lease contract.

If you would like to know more information regarding landlord tenant checklists, please contact Beier Howlett.

Written by Peter Gojcaj

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