Move-In / Move-Out Property Inspection Checklist

Test the deadbolt, knob lock, and any chain or slide mechanisms for smooth operation. Document scratches, dents, or paint chipping on the door face and frame. Confirm all provided keys operate the lock without sticking — a lock that binds at move-in will be reported as damaged at move-out.

Walk every wall surface in hallways and entryways, noting scuffs, nail holes, crayon marks, water stains, or peeling paint. Photograph any damage from multiple angles with a timestamp. Baseboards are frequently scuffed from furniture moves — document condition before the tenant takes possession.

Inspect hardwood, tile, or carpet in entryways for scratches, staining, lifted edges, or missing grout. Mark specific areas on a unit diagram to clearly distinguish pre-existing wear from tenant-caused damage. Carpet with existing staining must be photographed before move-in to avoid deposit deduction disputes later.

Operate all switches and confirm lights illuminate without flickering. Note any missing bulbs, cracked cover plates, or fixtures with loose housing. Faulty switches at move-in should be repaired before occupancy — not left as open items that create ambiguity at move-out.

Photograph every wall surface from corner to corner, noting existing holes, chips, crayon or marker damage, moisture bubbling, or improperly patched areas. Record the paint color and sheen on the inspection report — if the landlord must repaint specific areas at move-out, move-in documentation is essential proof.

Open and close every window to verify operation and check locks. Note any cracked panes, broken tilt mechanisms on blinds, torn screens, or damaged sill paint. Blinds and screens are among the most frequently disputed items at move-out — their documented move-in condition determines what is tenant responsibility.

Use an outlet tester or phone charger to confirm every outlet in the living and dining space is live and grounded. Test GFCI outlets with the test/reset buttons. Dead outlets at move-in that go undocumented may be attributed to tenant damage — a quick circuit test prevents that assumption.

Inspect the ceiling surface under lighting for water rings, hairline cracks, peeling texture, or staining from prior leaks. Any ceiling damage must be photographed and noted — ceiling repairs are expensive, and their cause is difficult to determine after the fact without a documented baseline.

Operate the stove burners, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, and microwave to confirm each functions as intended. Note any error codes, broken knobs, missing racks, or cracked door seals. Photograph the interior of the refrigerator and oven — grease buildup or ice accumulation at move-in must be on record.

Photograph countertop surfaces for any existing burns, chips, discoloration, or delamination. Open every cabinet and drawer to note broken hinges, missing hardware, and drawer slide operation. These items are commonly charged at move-out without move-in documentation to dispute the claim.

Run the kitchen faucet at full pressure and inspect the P-trap and supply lines under the sink for moisture, corrosion, or drips. A slow leak under the kitchen sink at move-in creates mold and cabinet floor damage over time — document and repair before occupancy begins.

Inspect oven interior, refrigerator shelves, dishwasher filter, and microwave cavity against the cleaning standard specified in the lease. Note any areas requiring professional cleaning on the move-out report with photographs. Cleaning charges must be clearly distinguished from damage charges in the deposit accounting.

Photograph grout lines in tiled shower and tub surrounds to capture any existing cracking, discoloration, or missing sections. Check caulk beads at the tub-wall transitions for gaps, mold staining, or separation. Failed caulk at move-in that is not repaired becomes a water damage liability during the tenancy.

Flush the toilet and observe the fill cycle for proper shut-off. Check for rocking at the base indicating a compromised wax ring. Add food dye to the tank and check the bowl after five minutes for a silent flapper leak. Document any existing cracks in the porcelain or loose toilet seat hardware.

Open the medicine cabinet and vanity drawers to check hinge alignment. Note any chips in the sink basin, cracks in the vanity top, or fogging on the mirror backing. Photograph the underside of the vanity for water damage from prior leaks before the tenant takes possession.

Switch on the bathroom exhaust fan and hold a tissue near the grille to confirm airflow. Confirm the fan exhausts to the exterior of the building. A non-functional bathroom fan leads to moisture accumulation and mold — document its operational status at move-in and repair it before the tenancy begins.

Photograph each closet interior with the door open, noting any bent rods, damaged shelving brackets, broken bifold door hardware, or mold near exterior walls. Closet wall surfaces should be inspected for moisture staining, particularly in corner rooms where condensation risk is higher.

Open and close each bedroom door to test for proper latch operation and swing clearance. Check hinge tightness and note any existing door frame gouges. Doors that don't latch properly should be adjusted before move-in — an improperly operating door will be reported as damaged by any careful tenant.

Inspect bedroom flooring in natural light for existing stains, bleach spots, worn traffic paths, or lifted carpet edges at transition strips. Carpet near windows and closet entries is typically the most worn — document it in detail to support fair deposit accounting at move-out.

Open and close every bedroom window to confirm the sash slides freely and the latch locks securely. Inspect screens for tears or bent frames. Note any fogged double-pane glass or cracked glazing — window seal failures are a building maintenance responsibility that should never be charged to a tenant at move-out.

Press the test button on every smoke detector and CO alarm and confirm the audible alarm activates. Note the manufacture date on each device — detectors older than ten years must be replaced before occupancy in most jurisdictions. Document serial numbers and test dates on the inspection report.

Remove and photograph the HVAC air filter to document its condition at move-in — a heavily loaded filter on day one is a maintenance responsibility, not a tenant obligation. Test the thermostat in both heat and cool modes and confirm supply vents in each room are delivering airflow.

Photograph electric, gas, and water meter readings with a timestamp on the day of key handover for both move-in and move-out. Meter readings prevent billing disputes for utility charges that span the turnover period and provide an objective reference for any utility-based damage claims.

Confirm the tenant is aware of the main water shut-off, electrical panel location and breaker labeling, and gas shut-off valve location. Note the condition of the breaker panel cover and accuracy of circuit labels. Proper tenant orientation at move-in reduces emergency response time for utility incidents.

Bring the completed move-in inspection report to the move-out walkthrough and photograph each area from the same angle used at move-in. Side-by-side comparison photos provide unambiguous documentation of new damage versus pre-existing condition — the strongest evidence in any deposit dispute.

Inspect appliance interiors, bathroom surfaces, cabinet interiors, and flooring against the cleaning standard specified in the lease. Note any areas requiring professional cleaning on the move-out report with photographs. Clearly distinguish cleaning charges from damage charges in the deposit accounting statement.

Collect every key, fob, parking remote, garage opener, and mailbox key provided at move-in. Cross-reference the move-in key receipt log. Unreturned keys require lock rekeying — the cost must be supported by documentation showing keys were provided at move-in and not returned at move-out.

Prepare an itemized written statement of any security deposit deductions with supporting repair estimates or receipts, and deliver it within the timeline required by local landlord-tenant law — typically 14 to 30 days from move-out. Late or undocumented deposit accounting forfeits the right to deductions in most states.