Move-In/Move-Out Walk-Through Checklist

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This form lets Landlords document the condition of their rental property at move-in and move-out, making it easy to identify any damage caused by Tenants. The form is easy to customize to fit the specific needs of your property.

Document Last Modified: 6/17/2023

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State Specific Clauses

CA State Assist


When the tenant requests an initial inspection, the landlord and the tenant must try to agree on a mutually convenient date and time for the inspection. The inspection cannot be scheduled earlier than two weeks before the end of the tenancy or lease term. The inspection should be scheduled to allow the tenant ample time to perform repairs or do cleaning identified during the initial inspection. The landlord MUST give the tenant at least 48 hours' advance written notice of the date and time of the inspection whether or not the parties have agreed to a date and time for the inspection.

The landlord is not required to give the 48-hour notice to the tenant if:
The parties have not agreed on a date and time, and the tenant no longer wants the inspection; OR
The landlord and tenant have agreed in writing to waive (give up) the 48-hour notice requirement.


Pro Tip: Before signing a Lease Agreement, it is always important to complete a Tenant Screening and Rental Application to ensure the Applicant is qualified to rent your property and to reduce the risk of eviction proceedings.

Landlords are required to account for any expenses that will be deducted from a Tenant’s Security Deposit because of damage to the property. The best way to do this is by documenting the condition of the property at Move-In and Move-Out. Thorough documentation will ensure that the process is transparent and that there’s no confusion or ambiguity about damage caused by your Tenant.

The Move-In/Move-Out Checklist is comprehensive and can be edited to meet the specific needs of your property - for example, you can add rooms, features, and items as needed. The form also has a section for additional notes and a space for both parties to sign and date after the Move-In and Move-Out Walkthrough.

Here are some tips to make this process as effective and smooth as possible:

  • The Tenant and Landlord (or your representative) should walk the property together at move-in and move-out, visiting every room and checking off every item on the checklist.
  • All damages, regardless of how minor, should be accounted for on the form.
  • Keep a copy of the Walk-Through Checklist and give a signed copy to the Tenant after both Walk-Throughs.
  • Schedule the Move-Out Walk-Through for a day or two after the Tenant moves out, in the event that the property is damaged during moving.
  • Any items left in the property after move-out, including trash, should be noted on the checklist.

A thorough Walk-Through Process helps to keep your property in good condition and ensures that you have proper documentation in case you need to withhold some or all of the security deposit. This form lets you customize your Walk-Through Checklist to make the process as easy as possible.