Why the move-in inspection matters
The move-out walkthrough is only as good as the move-in record. If you can show what a wall, carpet, or appliance looked like on day one, with a date and a signature, a deposit deduction becomes a comparison instead of an argument.
Room-by-room checklist
For each item, write a short condition note at move-in, such as “good” or “2-inch scuff left of door,” and the matching photo number. At move-out, note the condition again and mark it as OK, wear and tear, or damage.
Entry and hallways
- Front door, locks, deadbolt, and keys
- Walls, paint, and floors
- Light fixtures and switches
- Smoke detector (test it)
Living room
- Walls, paint, and nail holes
- Floors or carpet
- Windows, screens, and locks
- Blinds and window coverings
- Outlets, switches, and lights
Kitchen
- Counters, cabinets, and drawers
- Sink, faucet, and drain (run the water)
- Refrigerator inside and door seals
- Range, oven, and hood
- Dishwasher (run a cycle)
- Floor, walls, and ceiling
Bathrooms
- Toilet: flush, base, and seat
- Sink, faucet, and drain
- Tub or shower, caulk, and grout
- Exhaust fan
- Mirror, cabinet, and towel bars
- Signs of leaks or moisture
Bedrooms
- Walls, paint, and floors
- Doors and closets
- Windows, screens, and blinds
- Outlets and lights
- Smoke detector (test it)
Laundry, utilities, and systems
- Washer, dryer, and hookups
- Water heater (look for leaks)
- HVAC and filter date
- Thermostat
- Carbon monoxide detector (test it)
Exterior and other
- Yard, patio, deck, or balcony
- Garage or parking and remotes
- Mailbox key and trash bins
- Signs of pests
Photo and date evidence
- Photograph or video every room, and close-ups of anything already worn or damaged.
- Make sure each photo has a date. Keep the original files, which usually store the date and time.
- Write each photo number next to the item on the checklist.
- At move-out, shoot the same items from the same angles.
- Record keys, remotes, and utility meter readings at both inspections.
Signatures
Have every adult tenant and the landlord or agent sign and date the checklist at move-in and again at move-out. Leave room for tenant comments, so the tenant can note anything they disagree with. Give the tenant a copy.
Check your state’s rules
Deposit and inspection rules differ by state and sometimes by city. Some places require a written move-in condition report, set a deadline for returning the deposit, or say how an itemized statement must be delivered. Check your current state and local law before each move-in and move-out.
After move-out
Once you have compared the two inspections, see security deposit deductions: wear and tear vs. damage for how to itemize charges. For the turnover itself, the free rent-ready checklist covers getting the unit ready for the next tenant, and the tenant screening checklist covers choosing them.
Download the free inspection checklist (PDF)
Frequently asked questions
Is this checklist really free?
Yes. The PDF is free to download and print. No email or sign-up is required.
Should the tenant sign the move-in inspection?
It is good practice. When both the tenant and the landlord sign and date the checklist, it is much harder to dispute the unit’s condition later. Give the tenant a copy and keep the original.
Do I use the same checklist at move-out?
Yes. The form has move-in and move-out columns side by side, so you compare each item against its own starting condition. Use the same photo angles both times.
Does my state require a move-in inspection form?
Some states and cities do, and some set rules for how and when deposit deductions must be itemized. Check your current state and local law.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is general education. Landlord-tenant rules vary by state and city.
General educational information only, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city; check your local law or consult a licensed attorney.