I have tenants that want to renew their lease and meet someplace other than the unit. Do I insist on another walk through and what do I do if there's damage from the last year? I'm holding security equal to one years rent. --108.203.xx.xxx

a big red flag no? i wouldn't do it. one years deposit or not. what are they hiding? --173.36.xxx.xx

Do you actually mean a deposit equal to a year's rent - or is it a month's rent? I assume the reason they don't want to meet at the home they are renting is that it is messy, has damages, unauthorized pets or humans, or something of the kind. Whatever it is, it probably is something you wouldn't be happy about. --70.252.xxx.xx

You could always tell them that part of the renewal process is to do a maintenance inspection, if that doesn't get you in the door, maybe you should give them the option of a 30 day notice to vacate. I also think something stinks here, and you need to get access to your property. Or before you do any of the above, ask them specifically why they don't want to meet at the property and make your decision accordingly. --70.173.xx.xxx

Thanks guys, intuition is usually right on. Carolyn, you're right.....one month security! --108.203.xx.xxx

One months security isn't squat. This comment by the tenant is all the more reason to get inside that unit NOW! I'll admit I'm not the best on inspections, about two months ago I was inside a house I had not been in in three years, but all was well. Looks better than the day I rented it to him, but if I heard something like that, I'd be in there pronto --67.236.xxx.xx

Arrange the inspection before anything further, you always need to inspect in person. --64.134.xxx.xxx

To renew, they can send you an email. This specific "meet elsewhere" is a bad sign. --50.129.xxx.xxx

I think you knew what you needed to do all along - just go do it. Good luck. --71.162.xxx.xxx

Inspections should be done on a regular basis, not just once a year at lease renewal. I do every 90 days for the first year of a lease, and if all is well, I might stretch out to every 6 months. Most places I change air filters anyway, which gives me a quick look and I can check drains, water supply lines, and water heater for leaks. --108.250.xxx.xxx

Walk through, take pictures, CYA Only raising the rent will protect you, save $1000 if they stay... Longer they stay more it cost to clean it up. --88.12.xx.xxx

WOW!!! Deposit of 1 years rent? Are you serious? --166.182.x.xxx

I am not an attorney, but it is my understanding that you can deduct from their security deposit at anytime and then have they replenish their security deposit to the full amount. --98.210.xxx.xxx