What assumption is made if a landlord does not create a written inventory at the start of the lease?

What assumption is made if a landlord does not create a written inventory at the start of the lease?

• A. The property was in better condition
• B. The property was in worse condition
• C. The property was in the same condition at the end of the lease
• D. The lease is void

Answer: (C)

When a landlord does not create a written inventory at the start of a lease, the assumption made is that the property was in the same condition at the end of the lease. This means that without a documented inventory to reference, any discrepancies regarding the property's condition at move-out cannot be substantiated. The absence of an inventory may lead to a presumption that the property has not suffered any significant damage or wear beyond normal usage, thus supporting the view that the initial state has been maintained. This assumption is especially important since, in the absence of documented evidence, it becomes difficult for the landlord to claim that the tenant has caused any deterioration or damage that exceeds normal wear and tear. The principle at play here is to protect tenant rights by establishing a baseline or point of reference for the property's condition. Without this evidence, landlords may struggle to justify any withholding of the security deposit based on maintenance, repair needs, or damages.

When a landlord does not create a written inventory at the start of a lease, the assumption made is that the property was in the same condition at the end of the lease. This means that without a documented inventory to reference, any discrepancies regarding the property's condition at move-out cannot be substantiated. The absence of an inventory may lead to a presumption that the property has not suffered any significant damage or wear beyond normal usage, thus supporting the view that the initial state has been maintained.

This assumption is especially important since, in the absence of documented evidence, it becomes difficult for the landlord to claim that the tenant has caused any deterioration or damage that exceeds normal wear and tear. The principle at play here is to protect tenant rights by establishing a baseline or point of reference for the property's condition. Without this evidence, landlords may struggle to justify any withholding of the security deposit based on maintenance, repair needs, or damages.