A detailed room-by-room move-out inspection checklist landlords can use to document property condition, protect security deposits, and prevent disputes.
Complete this checklist during the move-out walk-through inspection, ideally with the tenant present. Comparing this document to the original move-in inspection report allows you to identify any damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear, providing a legally sound basis for any security deposit deductions.
Legal Note: Most states require landlords to return the security deposit (and any itemized deduction statement) within 14 to 30 days of move-out. Deductions can typically only be made for damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, and cleaning if required by the lease. Retaining a signed copy of this checklist is critical if a security deposit dispute arises.
───────────────────────────────────────────── TENANT MOVE-OUT CHECKLIST [Property Name / Management Company] [Property Address] ───────────────────────────────────────────── Tenant Name(s): ___________________________ Unit / Address: ___________________________ Lease End Date: ___________________________ Move-Out Date: ___________________________ Walk-Through Date: ___________________________ CONDITION KEY: G = Good (no action needed) NW = Normal Wear (expected aging — no charge) D = Damage (charge may apply) C = Cleaned R = Repair Required ───────────────────────────────────────── KITCHEN ───────────────────────────────────────── ☐ Stove / Range — burners, drip pans, knobs ______ ☐ Oven — interior, racks, door ______ ☐ Refrigerator — interior, shelves, freezer ______ ☐ Dishwasher — interior, door, racks ______ ☐ Microwave (if provided) ______ ☐ Sink — basin, faucet, disposal ______ ☐ Cabinets — interior, exterior, hardware ______ ☐ Countertops — no stains, burns, chips ______ ☐ Exhaust fan / range hood ______ ☐ Floors ______ ───────────────────────────────────────── BATHROOMS (repeat for each) ───────────────────────────────────────── Bathroom #: ____ ☐ Toilet — tank, seat, flush mechanism ______ ☐ Sink — basin, faucet, drain ______ ☐ Tub / Shower — tile, grout, door/curtain ______ ☐ Mirror / Medicine cabinet ______ ☐ Exhaust fan ______ ☐ Cabinets / Vanity ______ ☐ Floors ______ ───────────────────────────────────────── BEDROOMS (repeat for each) ───────────────────────────────────────── Bedroom #: ____ ☐ Walls — no holes, marks, or damage ______ ☐ Ceiling — no stains or damage ______ ☐ Flooring — carpet or hard floor condition ______ ☐ Closet — door, rod, shelving ______ ☐ Windows — glass, latches, screens ______ ☐ Window coverings / blinds ______ ☐ Light fixtures / ceiling fan ______ ☐ Doors — door, hinges, handle, lock ______ ───────────────────────────────────────── LIVING AREAS ───────────────────────────────────────── ☐ Walls — paint, holes, marks ______ ☐ Ceiling ______ ☐ Flooring ______ ☐ Windows and screens ______ ☐ Window coverings / blinds ______ ☐ Light fixtures ______ ☐ Doors and hardware ______ ☐ Fireplace (if applicable) ______ ───────────────────────────────────────── GENERAL / WHOLE UNIT ───────────────────────────────────────── ☐ HVAC filters replaced ______ ☐ All light bulbs working ______ ☐ Smoke detectors functional ______ ☐ Carbon monoxide detectors functional ______ ☐ Garage door openers returned ______ ☐ All keys, fobs, and access cards returned ______ ☐ Mailbox key returned ______ ☐ Unit professionally cleaned ______ ☐ All personal belongings removed ______ ☐ No trash or debris left behind ______ ☐ Parking area left clean ______ ───────────────────────────────────────── ADDITIONAL NOTES / DAMAGES ───────────────────────────────────────── _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ───────────────────────────────────────── SIGNATURES ───────────────────────────────────────── Landlord / Inspector: _______________________ Date: ___________ Tenant: _______________________ Date: ___________ Tenant: _______________________ Date: ___________ ☐ Tenant was present for walk-through ☐ Tenant was NOT present — notice was provided on: ___________
Normal wear and tear includes minor scuffs on walls, small nail holes from pictures, carpet worn from normal foot traffic, and fading from sunlight. Damage includes large holes in walls, stains, burns, broken fixtures, and excessive filth — these can be charged back to the tenant.
It's strongly recommended. Having the tenant present allows you to walk through issues together, which reduces the chance of disputes later. Some states give tenants the right to be present for the inspection.
This varies by state — typically 14 to 30 days after move-out or after receiving the tenant's forwarding address. If deductions are made, you must usually provide an itemized written statement. Missing deadlines can result in forfeiting your right to deductions.
Photos are an excellent supplement, but a written checklist signed by both parties is stronger documentation. Use both: complete the checklist and take timestamped photos of each room during move-in and move-out.
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