MOPPER-STAPEN MANAGEMENT

Property Management applied a near "abecedarian" approach to property inspection at time of our move-out inspection. They disregarded both photo and written evidence of previously existing condition/damage documented move-in inspection and attempted to withhold funds from security deposit for items clearly associated with normal wear and tear. Prior to rendering their judgement on return of funds, they failed to apply the following to their decision: (1) The condition of the house was turned over to them in orders of magnitude better shape than it was received (also photo documented). (2) After they iniitally overlooked minor damage, we personally idenitified and led their inspector to two items of minor damage we rightfully should have to pay for out of our deposit establishing total credibility and integrity. Funds were rightfully withheld. (3) We came to the house during the next tenants move-in inspection and grabbed our own brooms and dustpans and cleaned up after the property managers paint crews left a mess of the place. This was a repeat of how the house was left for us and we did not want them to be left with this. All of this was witnessed by the new tenants who can vouch for this. We also wanted to establish good will as property manager had not yet decided what to return on our deposit and we sensed we might be taken advantage of. Turns out we were right. My only advice is to strongly caution you. If you have any intention of renting a home from thisproperty management organization (or "Market South Management" as they have recently been renamed) you would be wise to literally photo journal and video tape every square inch of the interior and exterior of the house, at all possible angles of view, overlooking nothing, document each and every speck, spot, or existing scuff on every wall, every ceiling, every jamb during move-in. You need to delve into the petty like I can't believe and at a level you are probably not accustomed to doing or you are likely to pay for items you are not responsible for. My mistake was assuming I was dealing with reasonable people and only taking one picture of a few examples. Assume you need to set aside several hours to ensure there is no nit you cant pick and build a case to protect yourselves.