Tenant Screening & Lease Agreements Flashcards

What is the main purpose of a move-in condition report signed by both the resident and the manager?

Answer: To record the unit's starting condition and support any later deposit deductions

A signed move-in report creates a baseline that helps separate pre-existing conditions from damage the resident caused.

Which of the following is usually considered normal wear and tear rather than chargeable damage?

Answer: Paint faded by sunlight

Fading from ordinary use and time is normal wear and tear and generally cannot be deducted from the security deposit.

What determines the deadline for returning a resident's security deposit after move-out?

Answer: State and sometimes local law

Security deposit return deadlines, which often range from about 14 to 30 days, are set by state and sometimes local law.

A 12-month lease at $1,200 per month includes one month free. What is the effective monthly rent?

Answer: $1,100

Total paid is $13,200, and dividing by 12 months gives an effective rent of $1,100.

How can a landlord raise the rent on a month-to-month tenancy?

Answer: By giving proper written notice as required by state law, often at least 30 days

Periodic tenancies allow rent changes after proper advance written notice, and many states set the notice period at 30 days or longer.

Which federal law allows active-duty servicemembers to end a residential lease early after receiving PCS or deployment orders of 90 days or more?

Answer: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

The SCRA lets qualifying servicemembers terminate leases early after giving written notice and a copy of their orders.

A resident abandons a unit with eight months left on the lease. In most states, what is the landlord expected to do?

Answer: Make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit to mitigate damages

Most states require landlords to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit, which reduces what the departing tenant owes.