Can I a new tenant see the previous tenants move-out check list?
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Can I a new tenant see the previous tenants move-out check list?
Were dealing with our former landlord about damaged carpet. They want us to pay to replace all the carpet but the carpet was damaged and far from perfect when we moved in. So I want to see how it was left when the tenants before us moved out but the landlords won’t show us.
Asked on August 16, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Michigan
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The landlord is under no legal obligation to show you the prior tenant's move out list, other than possibly in litigation (a lawsuit), and I am not aware of any landlord who does this (note: I practice landlord-tenant law).
If you end up in litigation with your landlord over the cost of repairs or replacing carpet--i.e. either he sues you for the money, or you sue him for the return of your security deposit--you may be able to get access to the prior tenant's checklist in the course of litigation.
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