THE RIGHT DOCUMENT FOR THE JOB
When to use a move-in inspection checklist
Complete it before or just after keys are delivered, and update it when furnishings or appliances change. Check local deposit and habitability rules; report serious safety concerns through the repair channel.
BEFORE YOU START
What to have ready
- Property, unit, inspection date, participants, and key or access-device count
- Room notes for floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, locks, and lighting
- Appliance, plumbing, heating, cooling, alarm, fixture, furniture, and exterior condition
- Photos, open repairs, signatures or acknowledgments, and copy-delivery method
Inspect by room and system
Use a route through rooms and exterior. Mark good, worn, damaged, missing, or not tested with a location note. Test only what is safe.
Link photos to words
Label photos by room and date. Photograph marks and meter readings without unrelated personal information. Give both parties the checklist and photo set.
Track promised repairs
List each open item, coordinator, and follow-up date without calling a target a guarantee. A signature acknowledges recorded condition, not a waiver of habitability rights. Escalate urgent hazards locally.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing generally clean or fine instead of locating scratches, stains, missing items, or nonworking fixtures
- Taking photos without dates, room labels, or a shared copy that can be matched to the written checklist
- Asking a tenant to sign away repair or safety rights as a condition of documenting the condition
A FEW THINGS WORTH KNOWING
Move-In Inspection Checklist questions, answered
What if the landlord is not present at inspection?
Complete and send a dated checklist, keeping proof and photos. Ask for acknowledgment and add corrections without deleting the original.
Should every appliance be tested?
Test safely and note anything disconnected, inaccessible, or not operational. Do not dismantle equipment.
Can the checklist record a repair promise?
Yes. Describe issue, contact, and follow-up date separately, then report urgent problems through the required channel.
A draft is the beginning—not the final review.
Check names, figures, dates, and every obligation before you use or sign your document. For legal, employment, property, or financial matters, consult a qualified local professional when needed. This is an AI drafting tool, not an official government form or a guarantee of legal validity.