Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist

What you get

A printable inspection checklist that covers every room, surface, fixture, and appliance in a residential rental. Two columns per item: one for move-in condition, one for move-out. Space for dated photos, notes, and both landlord and tenant signatures at the bottom.

This is the exact format Covendell uses when walking properties in Memphis. Both parties sign at move-in, so there is no argument at move-out about what was already there.

Rooms and areas covered

The checklist covers 12 areas with specific line items for each:

• Entryway and exterior -- front door condition, locks, doorbell, porch/steps, house numbers, mailbox
• Living room -- walls, ceiling, flooring, windows, blinds, outlets, light fixtures, baseboards
• Kitchen -- countertops, cabinets, sink, faucet, garbage disposal, dishwasher, stove/oven, range hood, refrigerator, microwave, flooring
• Dining room -- walls, flooring, light fixture, windows
• Bedrooms (1-4) -- walls, ceiling, flooring, closet doors and shelving, windows, blinds, outlets
• Bathrooms (1-3) -- toilet, tub/shower, tile and grout, vanity, mirror, faucet, exhaust fan, towel bars
• Laundry area -- hookups, dryer vent, flooring, washer/dryer if included
• Garage/carport -- door and opener, flooring, walls, lights
• HVAC system -- filter condition, thermostat function, unit exterior
• Water heater -- age, visible condition, temperature setting
• Yard and landscaping -- lawn condition, trees, fencing, gates, irrigation
• General safety -- smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, handrails

How to use it

Walk the property with the tenant before handing over keys. Check each item together. Mark condition as "Good," "Fair," "Poor," or "N/A." Take photos of anything that is not in good condition. Both parties sign and date the checklist. Give the tenant a copy. Keep the original in the property file.

At move-out, walk the property again using the same checklist. Compare the two columns side by side. Any difference between move-in and move-out that goes beyond normal wear is a legitimate deduction from the security deposit.