Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist
Complete room-by-room inspection form with photo documentation guide and security deposit deduction worksheet.
Why Property Inspections Matter
A thorough move-in and move-out inspection is your best defense against security deposit disputes. Proper documentation protects both you and your tenant by creating an objective record of the property's condition.
95%
Disputes avoided with proper documentation
$1,200
Average security deposit saved
30 min
Time to complete inspection
Room-by-Room Inspection Guide
Property Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist for both move-in and move-out inspections. Rate each item's condition and take photos for documentation.
Condition Rating Guide
E - Excellent
G - Good
F - Fair
P - Poor
D - Damaged
Property Information
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🛋️ Living Room
| Item | Move-In | Move-Out | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walls (paint, damage, holes) | |||
| Ceiling (cracks, stains, texture) | |||
| Flooring (carpet, hardwood, tile) | |||
| Baseboards & trim | |||
| Windows (glass, screens, tracks) | |||
| Window coverings (blinds, curtains) | |||
| Doors (operation, locks, damage) | |||
| Light fixtures & switches | |||
| Electrical outlets & covers | |||
| Smoke detector (functional) |
🍳 Kitchen
| Item | Move-In | Move-Out | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walls & ceiling | |||
| Flooring | |||
| Cabinets (doors, shelves, hardware) | |||
| Countertops | |||
| Sink & faucet | |||
| Refrigerator (clean, working) | |||
| Stove/Range (burners, oven, clean) | |||
| Dishwasher (working, clean) | |||
| Microwave (if included) | |||
| Garbage disposal (working) |
🚿 Bathroom(s)
| Item | Move-In | Move-Out | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walls, ceiling, & paint | |||
| Flooring / tile | |||
| Grout & caulking | |||
| Vanity & countertop | |||
| Sink & faucet | |||
| Toilet (clean, working, no leaks) | |||
| Shower/tub (clean, working, drain) | |||
| Shower door/curtain rod | |||
| Mirror & light fixtures | |||
| Exhaust fan (working) |
🛏️ Bedroom(s)
Complete for each bedroom separately
| Item | Move-In | Move-Out | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walls & ceiling | |||
| Flooring / carpet | |||
| Closet (door, shelving, rod) | |||
| Windows & coverings | |||
| Door & hardware | |||
| Light fixtures & outlets |
📦 Additional Areas
| Item | Move-In | Move-Out | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallways | |||
| Stairways | |||
| Laundry area (if included) | |||
| Washer/Dryer (if included) | |||
| Storage areas / closets | |||
| Garage / carport | |||
| Patio / balcony |
🏡 Exterior
| Item | Move-In | Move-Out | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior walls / siding | |||
| Roof (visible condition) | |||
| Gutters & downspouts | |||
| Entry doors & locks | |||
| Mailbox | |||
| Landscaping / lawn | |||
| Driveway / walkways | |||
| Fencing / gates |
❄️🔥 HVAC & Systems
| Item | Move-In | Move-Out | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating system (working) | |||
| Air conditioning (working) | |||
| Thermostat (functional) | |||
| Water heater (working, no leaks) | |||
| Plumbing (no leaks visible) | |||
| Smoke detectors (all functional) | |||
| Carbon monoxide detector |
🔑 Keys & Access Items
✍️ Acknowledgment & Signatures
Both parties acknowledge that this inspection accurately reflects the condition of the property on the date indicated above.
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Photo Documentation Best Practices
📸 Essential Photography Tips
- Take wide shots of each room to show overall condition
- Capture close-ups of any damage or wear
- Use natural lighting when possible for accurate colors
- Include reference points (doors, windows) for scale
- Date-stamp photos using camera settings or apps
- Take multiple angles of problem areas
- Store organized by room and inspection date
- Back up to cloud storage immediately after inspection
Preventing Security Deposit Disputes
✅ Do's
- ✓ Complete inspection with tenant present
- ✓ Take photos of everything, even if perfect
- ✓ Get tenant signature on inspection report
- ✓ Provide copy to tenant immediately
- ✓ Use consistent rating system
- ✓ Document pre-existing damage thoroughly
- ✓ Store all documentation for entire tenancy
❌ Don'ts
- ✗ Skip inspection to save time
- ✗ Use vague descriptions like "worn"
- ✗ Forget to date and sign documents
- ✗ Take photos without tenant present
- ✗ Lose or delete inspection photos
- ✗ Conduct inspection in poor lighting
- ✗ Rush through the process
💰 Security Deposit Deduction Worksheet
Use this worksheet to calculate and document security deposit deductions. All deductions must be for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
| Item / Damage Description | Cost | Photo Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| $ | ||
| $ | ||
| $ | ||
| $ | ||
| $ |
$
-$
$
🏆 Inspection Best Practices
Before Inspection
- • Schedule with 24-48 hours notice
- • Bring printed inspection forms
- • Charge camera/phone fully
- • Bring flashlight for dark areas
- • Have clipboard and pens
During Inspection
- • Walk through systematically
- • Tenant should be present
- • Test all appliances and fixtures
- • Note everything, even if perfect
- • Take 100+ photos minimum
After Inspection
- • Get tenant signature immediately
- • Provide copy to tenant
- • Back up photos to cloud
- • File with lease documents
- • Set reminder for move-out inspection