Rental Property Documentation
Move-In & Move-Out Inspection Checklist.
Complete a comprehensive room-by-room inspection to safeguard your security deposit. Fill in your details below to update the form, then print or export.
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Residential Tenancy Condition Report
Move-In Baseline & Final Move-Out Inspection Record
1. Entryway, Doors & Hallways
Lock hardware, walls, floor2. Kitchen, Counters & Appliances
Stove, oven, fridge, sink plumbing3. Living & Dining Spaces
Windows, blinds, outlets, lighting4. Bedrooms & Closets
Doors, carpets, shelving5. Bathrooms & Plumbing
Tub, shower, toilet, caulking, fan6. Life Safety, Keys Inventory & Utilities
Detectors, keys issued, meter readingsSignatures & Acknowledgement
The undersigned parties hereby certify that they have inspected the property located above and confirm that this checklist accurately documents the condition of the rental unit, fixtures, and appliances on the inspection date.
How to Execute a Legally Defensible Move-In/Move-Out Inspection
A properly documented inspection report is the single most important tool for preventing security deposit deductions and winning small claims disputes.
Mandatory in Washington
Under RCW 59.18.260, Washington landlords are barred from collecting or withholding any security deposit without a signed written move-in condition checklist.
California Walkthroughs
Under Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(f), tenants have the statutory right to request an initial walkthrough up to 2 weeks before vacating to cure any issues.
New York Inspection
Under N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §7-108, tenants have the right to request a joint inspection between one and two weeks before vacating.
Best Practices for Photo & Video Documentation
1. Timestamp Everything: Turn on timestamping in your smartphone camera settings or photograph a newspaper or digital clock alongside property conditions.
2. Continuous Video Tour: Record a slow, continuous 5-minute video starting at the front door and walking through every room, showing walls, appliances turning on/off, and water running smoothly.
3. Close-Up Defect Shots: Take clear, well-lit close-ups of every pre-existing scuff, tile crack, carpet snag, or window latch defect.
4. Cloud Backup: Upload photos and videos to Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox immediately, and send a shareable read-only link to your landlord within 48 hours of move-in.
Related Tenancy Calculators & Templates
Inspection Checklist Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a move-in condition checklist legally essential?
A written move-in condition checklist establishes an objective baseline of pre-existing property conditions before the tenant occupies the premises. In states like Washington (RCW 59.18.260), landlords are legally prohibited from collecting or keeping any security deposit without a signed written checklist describing unit condition at move-in.
When should the move-in inspection take place?
The inspection should occur immediately before or on the day of physical key handover, prior to moving any furniture or personal belongings into the rental unit. Both tenant and landlord or property manager should walk through the property together and sign the document.
What should you do if the landlord refuses to do a joint walkthrough?
If a landlord is unavailable or refuses to walk through, complete the checklist independently on move-in day. Take time-stamped, high-resolution photos and video of every room, wall, appliance, and existing defect. Send a copy of the completed checklist and photo archive to the landlord via certified mail or email with delivery confirmation.
What items are commonly inspected during move-out?
Inspect all room walls for holes or unapproved paint, flooring and carpet for stains or burns, kitchen appliances (oven, refrigerator interior, burner drip pans), plumbing fixtures and under-sink cabinets for leaks, bathroom tile and caulking for mildew, window blinds, and verify return of all issued keys, fobs, and garage remotes.
Can a landlord charge for pre-existing damage noted on the move-in checklist?
No. Documenting existing chips, scratches, worn carpets, or cracked tiles on your move-in checklist bars the landlord from claiming those repairs against your security deposit upon departure. It serves as definitive evidence in small claims court.