Should the LL give a receipt and signature upon the day we leave and return the keys? (apartment, lease)

[Nezen]

Should the LL give a receipt and signature upon the day we leave and return the keys?

If that's not necessary, how could we keep a formal record to prove that we return the keys and vacant the apartment on the day when the lease ends?

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Nezen

Should the LL give a receipt and signature upon the day we leave and return the keys?
If that's not necessary, how could we keep a formal record to prove that we return the keys
and vacant the apartment on the day when the lease ends?

The level of formality appropriate to all these things will vary usually by two basic measures:
one being how formal the LL has been in their communications and the level of (or lack of)
confidence you have in their business practices (however you come to that).
---

Certified Mail is the benchmark for establishing dates.
The next best is time stamped photography with date sensitive material in the frame.

Of course you could also invite the manager over for the move out inspection and
then video the whole process including handing over the keys.

hth

[KonaKat]

Likely this is mentioned in your tenant handbook or "house rules" if you have those. If not, why not call the LL and ask them to come for a final walkthrough? That's the best thing to do. We don't give a receipt for keys,per se, but there is a place on the property condition form for that information.

[Koale]

Originally Posted by Nezen

Should the LL give a receipt and signature upon the day we leave and return the keys?

If that's not necessary, how could we keep a formal record to prove that we return the keys and vacant the apartment on the day when the lease ends?

Hey Nezen...you should absolutely request a receipt of somesort when you return the keys. Can't help but
think that something has you a little worried about this... you can even prepare one yourself and have you and your LL sign... a copy for both of you, of course.
Koale