Landlord Quick Tip

Tip #129: Ready and Action!

cameraVideo technology has become so accessible that if a tenant is going to dispute deductions from their security deposit, the case will likely involve dueling videos.

Don’t get caught unprepared. Be sure to record the damage to the unit before you take the deductions–and have to answer for it later.

The video only needs to be 5 or 10 minutes long, but don’t rush the action–try to include a logical sequence of the entire unit, including floors and ceilings.

Check the light. Make sure you are shooting a clear video. Watch it before you store it away so there is still time to re-shoot if you are not happy with the quality.

Make certain it is date-stamped. Write the date on the label or computer file as well.

The video alone may not convince a judge–you will still want to make notes, and save receipts to show if need be.

See last week’s Landlord Quick Tip.

American Apartment Owners Association offers discounts on products and services for landlords related to your rental housing investment, including rental forms, tenant debt collection, tenant background checks, insurance and financing. Find out more at www.joinaaoa.org.