Landlord Who Bought His Rental in 1999 Walks In for the First Time After His Tenants of 27 Years Moved Out and Is Surprised by What He Finds

Imagine owning a house for more than a quarter century and never really seeing the inside. That is the situation TikTok creator @thachnguyenre found himself in. He has owned the property since 1999, and the same renters lived there the whole time. When they finally moved out, he grabbed his phone and walked in for his first look. “Let’s pray this thing’s still in the good shape,” he says as the tour begins.

The video, posted in early October 2026, is a room by room walkthrough just a few days after the tenants left. The first thing he notices is spider webs, lots of them. Then he takes stock of the floors and trim. The trim is beat up and will probably need repainting, but he points out that it is still intact and in place.

The kitchen is still standing, he says, but it definitely needs to be redone. Then comes what he jokingly calls “the scariest part,” the refrigerator. He opens it with some dramatic hesitation, cracking a joke about hoping there is nothing gruesome inside. The verdict: some ketchup left behind.

The bathroom shows its age, with a sink that is clearly old. He reminds everyone that the house dates to around 1999 and that much of what he is looking at is original. There are a few holes in the walls and a row of old, dark red doors. He even does a smell check, noting that the bathroom is where you would expect any odor.

And yet, his overall tone is relief. “I’m not even trippin’,” he says. “The house is still decent.” He walks through the garage and is pleased to find the renters did not leave a pile of junk behind. “This is not bad,” he says, adding that not every rental turnover ends with a hoarding situation or a house full of left behind belongings. For a home that housed one family for 27 years, he says, this one is actually in good shape.

@thachnguyenre

Wear and Tear After Nearly Three Decades

What this landlord found is a good example of the difference between damage and normal wear and tear, a distinction that matters to both landlords and renters.

Normal wear and tear is the gradual decline that comes from simply living in a place. Faded paint, scuffed trim, worn carpet in walkways, loose door handles and dated fixtures are all expected, especially over many years. In most states, landlords cannot charge a tenant’s security deposit for that kind of aging.

Damage is different. Large holes, broken windows, pet stains, burns and missing fixtures go beyond ordinary use, and landlords can usually deduct reasonable repair costs. A few small nail holes from hanging pictures are typically considered wear and tear, while larger holes may be counted as damage depending on the state and their size.

After 27 years, almost everything in a house will need attention. Courts and housing agencies generally recognize that paint, carpet and appliances have a limited useful life. A kitchen that needs a full redo after nearly three decades is a landlord expense, not a tenant debt.

Tips for Landlords Getting a House Back

Do a written walkthrough. Photograph and video every room right after move out, just as this creator did. Note the date and keep it with the original lease.

Know your deposit deadline. Every state sets a time limit, often between 14 and 30 days, for returning a deposit or sending an itemized list of deductions. Missing it can cost a landlord the right to keep anything, and in some states it can trigger penalties.

Budget for a refresh. Long tenancies are a gift, since they mean years without vacancy, turnover cleaning or marketing costs. But the tradeoff is a bigger update when the tenants finally leave. Paint, flooring, kitchen updates and a deep clean are common.

Check the systems, not just the surfaces. A house from the late 1990s may still have its original water heater, HVAC system or roof. Have them inspected before a new tenant moves in, so a breakdown does not become an emergency later.

Consider the market. After nearly three decades, local rents have likely changed a great deal. Research comparable rentals before setting a new price.

Tips for Renters Moving Out After Years

If you have been renting the same home for a long time, a little effort before you hand over the keys can protect your deposit.

Clean out the fridge and cabinets. Small things left behind, like a bottle of ketchup, are harmless, but a full fridge or pantry can lead to a cleaning charge.

Remove everything from the garage and yard. Old paint cans, tires and boxes are among the most common left behind items.

Take your own photos. Document each room on your way out so you have proof of the condition you left it in.

Ask for a final walkthrough. Many landlords will do one with you present, giving you a chance to fix small issues on the spot.

This creator expected the worst and walked away pleasantly surprised. After 27 years, a little paint, a new kitchen and a good sweep for spider webs seem like a fair trade for decades of steady rent.

Willow and Hearth