Move-in move-out inspection checklist: a free room-by-room guide
Almost every deposit dispute comes down to one question: what did the place look like on move-in day? A dated checklist with photos, done at move-in and again at move-out, answers it for both the landlord and the tenant.
What to check in every room
- Floors and carpet
- Walls and paint
- Doors, locks and windows
- Lights, switches and outlets
- Blinds and screens
Kitchen
- Fridge, stove, oven and dishwasher
- Sink, faucet and the area under the sink
- Cabinets, drawers and countertops
Bathrooms
- Toilet, tub and shower
- Sink, faucet and vanity
- Exhaust fan and mirror
Also check
- Smoke and CO detectors
- The HVAC filter and thermostat
- Keys, garage remotes and mailbox keys
Normal wear and tear vs. damage
Normal wear is what happens from simply living there, like light scuffs, faded paint, or carpet worn along walking paths. Damage goes beyond that, like holes in walls, burns, pet stains or broken fixtures. In many places a landlord can't charge for normal wear. Rate each item at move-in and move-out, take photos both times, and only charge for items that got worse because of damage.
Want it done in a spreadsheet?
The Rental Move-In Move-Out Inspection & Deposit Kit ($5.99) has about 78 pre-filled items by room, condition ratings, photo links, a wear-or-damage column, and an automatic deposit refund summary. Works in Excel and Google Sheets.
Not legal advice. Deposit rules vary by state and city.