Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist Template

What is a move-in move-out inspection checklist?

Most deposit disputes come down to one question: what was the property like at the start? A move-in checklist — often called a property condition report, inventory or check-in report — answers it with a dated description of each room that both landlord and tenant sign. At move-out, the same checklist is repeated and compared, so only damage beyond normal wear and tear is charged.

This template produces a property condition report for either inspection. You describe general condition and cleanliness, then each area you want to include — entrance, living areas, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, other rooms, outside areas, appliances and furniture — and any area you leave empty is left out. It records smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, meter readings and keys handed over, and where the dated photos are kept. At move-out it adds the date of the move-in report, the items the landlord considers beyond normal wear and tear, and the tenant's forwarding address. The tenant has a set number of days to add written comments, and the report says plainly that signing is not agreement to any deposit deduction.

When to Use a move-in move-out inspection checklist

• Recording the condition of a flat or house on the day the tenant moves in
• Comparing condition at move-out against the signed move-in report
• A furnished let where furniture and contents need an inventory
• Letting agents and property managers who inspect on the landlord's behalf
• Room lets and house shares where the tenant has a room and shared areas

What You Fill In

26 blanks, then the name and email of each person who signs: landlord, tenant.

What the move-in move-out inspection checklist Covers

1. How to read this report
2. General condition
3. Entrance, hallway and stairs
4. Living and dining areas
5. Kitchen
6. Bathroom(s) and toilet(s)
7. Bedroom(s)
8. Other rooms and storage
9. Outside areas
10. Appliances
11. Furniture and contents
12. Safety, meters and keys
13. Photos and video
14. Items noted at move-out
15. Comments and disagreements
16. What signing means

Using the move-in move-out inspection checklist, step by step

1 Walk the property with the notes open

Go room by room and describe walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, lights, sockets, fixtures and cleanliness. Be specific — "5 cm scuff on the wall left of the door" is useful evidence; "some marks" is not. Take dated photos as you go.

2 Fill in only the areas that exist

General condition is required. Every other area — hallway, living areas, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, other rooms, outside, appliances and furniture — is optional and simply left out if empty, so a studio flat doesn't have blank bedroom sections.

3 Record safety items, meters and keys

Choose the status of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, add meter readings, and list the keys, fobs and remotes. Say where the photos or video are kept so both of you can find them later.

4 At move-out, add the comparison

Enter the date of the move-in report, list anything you consider beyond normal wear and tear, and add the tenant's forwarding address. Then send it for both signatures. The tenant can add written comments within the number of days you set.

Tips Before You Send It

• Do the inspection together if you can, on or just before the move-in or move-out day.
• Photos should be dated and cover every room from several angles, plus close-ups of any existing damage.
• Normal wear and tear — light scuffs, faded paint, carpet wear in walkways — is not damage. Describe condition neutrally and let the comparison speak for itself.
• Some places set their own rules for condition reports and deposit deductions, including deadlines. Check local requirements and follow them alongside this report.

Move-in move-out inspection checklist: frequently asked questions

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This template is a general starting point, not legal advice. Laws differ between countries and states — have a lawyer review the agreement for your situation before you rely on it. Page last reviewed 2026-09-29.