I -Landlord-Newbie-didn't make a move in checklist w/renter. What now?

[Gnuella]

I live in the state of Washington and I bought a rental a year ago. At that point it seemed like such a great (and easy idea) to rent the house.
I have already made some mistakes and I am not sure what to do with this one:
I have learned that you must have a move in checklist. To have it as a landlord makes total sense and I don't know why I didn't do it. Well I just didn't. I did take pictures of the premises, though.
Can I do a checklist NOW and consider that as the move in checklist?
Or what would the yahoo community suggest?

 

[Wildcat]

A move in check list is strictly for protection on both sides. It is not legally required.

The main purpose of that is for proof of what it looked like before the tenant moved in in case they try to dispute any move out charges. The pictures do the same thing.

EDIT: YES you CAN claim damages without a check list! Besides you have the pictures. That is the same thing. With out a check list or pictures it is still possible to collect damages it is just harder. Without those it comes down to a landlord says tenant says situation. At that point it just depends on who the judge believes.

 

[kemperk]

U did not state how long ago you got your tenant.
A check list is only valuable to help the LL get repair
costs from the deposits.

SInce you did not have a check list, you can't claim
any damages.

Anything else you wish, get hold of me

 

[Home treasure]

You may need to do a thorough check list. I have stayed in two places. The first brand new. We went round with the agent just to look and signed that everything was in perfect condition. We reported settlement cracks etc as they happened and had a check after 3 months. We were advised how to wash the oak floor and how to clean the carpets!!! What we were not told was using the oven regularly did not constitute wear and tear, so you could include that certain items should be left in as good as new state, so that tenants can attempt to clean things themselves and not get a "professional clean" bill. Otherwise you have to consider replacement after x years or x tenants use coming through in your refit/repair costs.

The next place stated every scratch/dent and the house was not repainted. Appliances had been left shut up for 3 months and we had to clean them ourselves. Perhaps you can leave basic instructions for regular care and for when the premises are vacated to leave things open to prevent mold.

List all soft furnishings incl. long life light bulbs etc and shades. Anything used instead of these items means the need for the originals to be stored carefully or if you like remove them from the premises and from the inventory at the same time.

Maybe this will not help heaps with the check list, but it will save money and give satisfaction to you and any future tenants that things stay in good condition. Your insurance company may request certain criteria as a landlord so better seek advice on that.