It’s move-out day and your tenant swears that the wall dent (or, better yet, crater) in the bedroom was already there when they moved in. Those numerous holes around an outline that looks suspiciously like a dartboard? Thumbtack marks from the previous tenant. That yellow stain on the carpet where their dog crate had been? Nope, nothing to see here!
Whether you own one rental property or several, differentiating between normal wear and tear and property damage that warrants a deduction from the tenant’s security deposit comes with the territory. Moving is already stressful enough — for both you and the tenant — so why add unwanted tension?
This move-in/move-out tenant walkthrough checklist will help hold renters and landlords accountable in tracking the property’s conditions, so the next time you have a new tenant move into your rental, you know exactly what to look for.
Why do I need a tenant walkthrough inspection checklist?
As a landlord, you’re obligated to maintain your rental property and address any health or safety issues. Once your renters move out, and before your new tenants move in, you’ll want to make a note of the damages that exist, and clean and repair the property for your—and your new renter’s—benefit.
This includes checking the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, preventing mold, and removing any hazardous lead-based paint.
Even if your lease agreement requires the tenant to thoroughly clean the property before moving out, you should still clean the unit yourself (or hire a professional cleaner), focusing on often overlooked areas such as under the refrigerator and around the stove, tub, and toilet. Identify any issues with the plumbing, heat, or electrical and address them as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to spackle and paint the walls between long-term tenants.
Making repairs between tenants shows you’re doing your part as a good landlord and makes it easier to identify any damages caused by your incoming renters.
The rental inspection checklist
Ensure your new tenant completes a rental inspection checklist shortly after moving in. Most landlords require tenants to turn in the checklist within three days of signing the lease, but you could extend the deadline to no more than a week after. The rental inspection checklist is essential because it allows you to compare the property’s condition when the renter moves in to the state they’ve left it in when they move out.
The more accurately the tenant documents the unit’s condition, the better their chances of not being held responsible for any pre-existing damages. As such, most incoming tenants are more than happy to take photographs and videos, although this step is optional. If they do, request that they email you copies along with their submitted checklist.
What to include in the rental inspection checklist
The move-in checklist should include all relevant property information, including:
Property information
- The property’s name (if any), address, and apartment number
- Each incoming tenant’s name
- Your name (the landlord or property manager)
- The unit’s size
- The move-in inspection date
- The move-out inspection date
- Items and areas to inspect
Living room
- Doors, locks, and hardware
- Walls and ceiling
- Floor and carpet
- Smoke alarm
- Carbon monoxide alarm
- Fireplace
- Lighting fixtures
- Windows, window locks, and screens
- Window coverings (i.e. blinds)
- Outlets
Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Sink and plumbing (i.e., faucet, garbage disposal, etc.)
- Cabinets and inside drawers
- Doors (interior, exterior, and/or pantry)
- Door locks and hardware
- Light fixtures
- Stovetop controls and burners
- Oven, fan, and range hood
- Floor and floor coverings
- Counters
- Walls and ceiling
- Fire extinguisher
- Outlets
Dining room
- Walls and ceiling
- Floors and/or carpet
- Windows and screens
- Window coverings
- Outlets
- Miscellaneous
Bathroom (include a separate section for each bathroom in the unit)
- Walls and ceiling
- Flooring
- Counters and surfaces
- Sink and plumbing
- Toilet
- Door, hardware, and lock
- Inside drawers
- Cabinets
- Bathtub and/or shower
- Mounted hardware, such as towel racks, shower rod, or toothbrush holder
- Outlets
Bedroom (include a separate section for each bedroom in the unit)
- Walls and ceiling
- Floor and/or carpet
- Smoke alarm
- Closet
- Doors, locks, and hardware (including closet doors and any tracks)
- Lighting fixtures
- Outlets
- Windows and screens
- Window coverings (i.e. blinds)
Hallway
- Floor and/or carpet
- Stairs and banisters
- Doors, locks, and hardware
- Smoke alarm
- Carbon monoxide detector
Garage and/or basement
- Garage door and openers
- Light fixtures
- Doors, locks, and hardware
- Outlets
- Floor
- Walls
- Stairs
- Miscellaneous (i.e., fans, dehumidifiers, etc.)
Other
- Air conditioning
- Heating system
- Vents
- Patio, balcony, terrace, deck, porch, etc.
- Parking area(s)
- Entryway
- Landscaping and/or garden area
- Siding
You should also include a section in the checklist stating the number of keys the tenant received and for what purpose. For instance, you could note that the renter was given two door keys, one mailbox key, and one remote garage door opener and that it’s the tenant’s financial responsibility for obtaining any additional keys or remotes.
Not every move-in checklist will include all of the above, and some properties may have other features not listed that may be worth adding to your own checklist. The key is to inspect every feature’s condition so that you’re not left wondering if you missed something in the event the tenant accuses you of neglecting your duties.
Plus, knowing an item was in perfect working order before a destructive renter moved in gives you a stronger case for withholding part of the security deposit to cover damages.
Making the most of your property inspection guide
After your tenant completes the rental inspection checklist, you should both sign the form and each retain a copy for your records.
If you’re doing the walk-through with them prior to move-in, consider adding an agreement that states the smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors were tested in the renter’s presence and were deemed in working order. You can then require the tenant to test these items at least once a month and report any issues to you in writing.
When it’s time for your renter to move out, perform a thorough walk-through of the property with the checklist in hand. If the tenant disputes any of the damages, refer to any photographs or video documentation.
Remember, normal wear and tear will occur as a result of having someone live inside your rental property, so don’t be a stickler about gently worn carpets, dirty grout, minor wall scuffing, and floor fading due to sunlight. Practice proper documentation and screen every tenant to protect yourself and your investment.
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