Move-In Inspection Checklist for Landlords and Tenants
A move-in inspection records the unit's condition on day one. At move-out it's the fairest way to separate damage from normal wear and tear. Some states require one.
How to do it
- Walk through together with the tenant, if you can
- Use the same form for move-in and move-out
- Rate each item (good / fair / poor) and add notes
- Take dated photos and video of every room
- Both sign and date; each keeps a copy
Room by room
Living areas and bedrooms
- ☐ Walls, ceilings, paint, nail holes
- ☐ Floors and carpet (stains, wear)
- ☐ Windows, screens, blinds
- ☐ Doors, locks, closets
- ☐ Light fixtures, outlets, switches
Kitchen
- ☐ Fridge, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher
- ☐ Cabinets, drawers, counters
- ☐ Sink, faucet, garbage disposal
- ☐ Floors
Bathrooms
- ☐ Toilet, tub, shower, tile and grout
- ☐ Sink, vanity, mirror
- ☐ Exhaust fan
Systems and safety
- ☐ Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested
- ☐ Heating and cooling working
- ☐ Water heater
- ☐ Keys, fobs and remotes handed over (count them)
Outside
- ☐ Balcony, patio, yard, parking, storage
Tips
- Note the brand-new items too (new carpet, freshly painted walls)
- Record meter readings if the tenant takes over utilities
- Give the tenant a few days to add anything they notice later
General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state.
The Small Landlord Toolkit includes a two-page move-in / move-out inspection form and a deposit itemization template.
Small Landlord Toolkit — $19
18-page toolkit for 1-10 unit landlords: rental application, fair screening criteria, move-in inspection, rent ledger and Schedule E expense totals. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.
Get the Small Landlord ToolkitFamily Paperwork Bundle — $34More guides
- Landlord Checklist: Before You Rent Out Your Property
- Rental Application: What To Include (and What Not To Ask)
- Tenant Screening Criteria and Fair Housing: A Plain-English Guide
- Adverse Action Notice for Landlords: When and How To Send One
- Rent Ledger: How To Track Rent Payments (Free Template Layout)
- Security Deposit Return: A Landlord Checklist
- Rental Property Maintenance Schedule: A Year-Round Checklist
- Schedule E Rental Expenses: Categories Small Landlords Should Track
- Notice of Entry: How Landlords Should Give Notice Before Entering