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The Move-Out Inspection Was Just Completed Today, and I Asked My Property Manager What Charges Would Be Levied Against the Security Deposit. Why Didn’t I Receive an Immediate Answer?

It’s completely normal not to receive an immediate, final dollar amount right after a move-out inspection.

In North Carolina, property managers are required to base security deposit deductions on actual or reasonably certain costs, and those costs often aren't known on inspection day.

Here's why the answer usually takes time and what happens next.

 

The Inspection Is Documentation, Not Billing

A move-out inspection is primarily used to document the condition of the property, identify potential damage or cleaning needs, and compare move-out condition to move-in records.

It is not the final step in calculating charges. Think of it as information gathering, not the invoice.

For context on how damage is evaluated, see: https://know.movezen360.com/how-does-the-property-manager-determine-what-damage-is-tenant-caused-versus-pre-existing-damage-at-a-property

Why Final Charges Can't Be Calculated Immediately

Several things typically happen after the inspection:

Vendor pricing is still pending

Repairs and cleaning often require vendor walkthroughs, quotes or invoices, and scheduling confirmation. Until those costs are known, final numbers would be guesses, and North Carolina law doesn't allow deposit deductions based on guesses.

 

Damage vs. wear must be reviewed

Managers must determine whether each issue is ordinary wear and tear or damage beyond ordinary wear.

Multiple issues are often bundled

Charges are usually assessed together, not item-by-item on the spot, to ensure accurate categorization, fair cost allocation, and proper documentation.

What the Law Requires Instead of Instant Answers

North Carolina law requires timely accounting, not same-day answers:

Within 30 days of move-out:

  • Deposit return or an interim accounting explaining pending costs

Within 60 days:

  • A final, itemized accounting
  • Any remaining refund

More on deadlines here: https://know.movezen360.com/is-there-a-deadline-by-which-the-landlord-or-agent-must-return-a-security-deposit

Why Managers Avoid Giving "Ballpark" Numbers

Providing estimates on inspection day can cause problems because actual costs may differ, some issues may not require repair after review, estimates can be misunderstood as final charges, and North Carolina law requires itemized, cost-based deductions.

Waiting protects both renters and property managers from incorrect information.

What You Can Expect Next

After inspection, the typical sequence is:

  1. Inspection documentation is finalized
  2. Vendors assess and invoice repairs or cleaning
  3. Charges are reviewed for legality and accuracy
  4. An interim or final accounting is issued

If you're trying to anticipate charges, this article helps set expectations: https://know.movezen360.com/im-a-resident-who-just-moved-out-of-a-property.-i-was-charged-for-damages-to-an-item-that-i-did-damage-but-the-item-also-had-a-bit-of-pre-existing-damage.-what-does-this-process-look-like-regarding-deductions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does no immediate answer mean something is wrong?
No. It usually means costs are still being verified.

Can managers legally give estimates instead?
They can discuss process, but final deductions must be based on real costs.

Will I definitely be charged for everything noted at inspection?
Not necessarily. Some items may be classified as ordinary wear or resolved cheaply.

What if repairs take longer than expected?
An interim accounting should be issued within 30 days, followed by a final one by day 60.

Should I follow up immediately?
It's reasonable to wait until the accounting timeline before expecting final numbers.

Related knowledge base articles

These often help renters understand post-inspection timing: