Question: I'm moving at the end of my lease this month. I've asked Management for a walk-through with me on the last day to ensure I've met all the cleaning expectations in order to get my deposit back. Management says it isn't necessary since they think I keep a clean place. My concern is that after I'm gone, trumped up "repairs" will be noted on my account and they will keep my deposit. They've not been the most ethical and business-like over the past year. What are my rights?
Answer:
The following is provided for general information only. To find out how the law applies to a specific situation, contact an attorney directly. According to A.R.S. 33-1321C. "[w]ith 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. Upon request by the tenant, the landlord shall notify the tenant when the landlord's move-out inspection will occur. If the tenant is being evicted for a material and irreparable breach and the landlord has reasonable cause to fear violence or intimidation on the part of the tenant, the landlord has no obligation to conduct a joint move-out inspection with the tenant." The article Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities also contains helpful information and links.
April 16, 2012
Legal Services Corporation