Property manager loses it when renter buys a house, attempting to withhold the deposit and push pre-move-out inspections before getting blocked by lease terms and a small claims threat – FAIL Blog

Now comes the scramble. A pre-move-out inspection gets requested even though state law does not allow it for non-maintenance reasons. The lease says the last inspection happens after personal property is removed and the place is broom-swept. Entry gets denied. Screenshots of the lease get sent. The manager asks for the exact move-out date even though the lease end date is already known. Rent gets paid until the end anyway. Entry rules still apply.

Pictures of the occupied unit get requested so contractors can plan renovations. The answer is no. Pictures happen at the final walkthrough. Phone calls start flooding in. A text goes out saying all communication happens through email or text because of previous negative interactions. The typing bubble pops up for twenty minutes. An inane rant is definitely coming.

This is what happens when a tenant stops being afraid. Small claims court becomes a tool instead of a threat. Lenient courts rule for the little guy. Punitive damages get awarded. Landlords do not care about stepping on rights. Tenants should not care about stepping on theirs. The power shift is delicious.