The landlord has three separate and distinct obligations regarding the move-out inspection. First, the landlord must give the tenant a move-in inspection form, which will document the condition of the rental property upon move-in and subsequently compared with the entries on the move-out inspection form when tenancy ends. If the landlord does not have a completed move-in inspection form, it is much harder to successfully charge a tenant for damages or additional cleaning.
Second, the landlord must notify the tenant – in writing – that the tenant may be present during the move-out inspection. Both of the first two obligations are created by statute, A.R.S. § 33-1321(C): “With respect to tenants who first occupy the premises or enter into a new written rental agreement after January 1, 1996, upon move in a landlord shall furnish the tenant with a signed copy of the lease, a move-in form for specifying any existing damages to the dwelling unit and written notification to the tenant that the tenant may be present at the move-out inspection.”
Finally, at the end of tenancy, the landlord must inform the tenant when the move-out inspection will occur. Again, this is direct from the statute, A.R.S. § 33-1312(C): "Upon request by the tenant, the landlord shall notify the tenant when the landlord's move-out inspection will occur.” However, the tenant must request to be present before the landlord is obligated to notify the tenant of the move-out inspection. And the landlord is merely required to notify the tenant of the date/time of the move-out inspection – the landlord IS NOT required to schedule the move-out inspection at a time that is convenient for the tenant (although the landlord may, if desired). The move-out inspection should be conducted during the landlord’s normal business hours.
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