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Move-In Condition Checklist

A rental move-in checklist for landlords and tenants to rate each room at move-in and move-out, with photo numbers, keys, meter readings and signatures.

Updated October 7, 2026

move-in checklist
rental inspection
landlords
tenants

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About this document

A move-in condition checklist is a room-by-room record of a rental unit's condition on the day a tenant moves in, signed by both the landlord and the tenant. The checklist also records the keys handed over, the utility meter readings, and a move-out column for the end of the tenancy.

Fill in the move-in condition checklist with the tenant before they move anything in, and fill in the move-out column when they leave. Matching notes and dated photos are the clearest evidence when charges in a security deposit itemization letter are questioned. Some states require a written move-in checklist, or give the tenant a set number of days to add to it, so check your state's rules.

How to fill it in

Walk through together. Schedule the walkthrough with the tenant before any furniture arrives. Copy the bedroom and bathroom sections for each extra room, and add rows for anything the unit has that the form misses.
Rate and describe each item. Mark each item Good, Fair or Poor, and describe any damage exactly, such as "2-inch scratch on the oven door". Write the matching photo numbers beside each note.
Record keys and meters. Count every key, remote, card and fob you hand over, and photograph the electric, gas and water meters next to their readings.
Sign and share copies. Fill in how many days the tenant has to add notes, using your state's rule if it sets one. Both of you sign and date it, and the tenant keeps a copy.
Complete it at move-out. Walk through again when the tenant leaves, fill in the move-out column with new photo numbers, and record the keys returned and the forwarding address. Both sign the move-out section.

Move-In Condition Checklist

A room-by-room record of the unit's condition on the day the tenant moves in

Tenant(s)	[Name(s)]
Property and unit	[Street address], Unit [number]
Move-in date	[Date]
Checked by	[Landlord or manager name] with [tenant name]

Walk through together before the tenant moves anything in. Describe damage exactly ("2-inch scratch on the oven door", not "some wear") and take dated photos, writing the photo numbers beside each note. Both sign at the end and the tenant keeps a copy. At move-out, walk through again and fill in the move-out column, so the form shows what changed.

Entry and hallways

Item	Condition at move-in	Condition at move-out	Notes and photo numbers
Front door and lock	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Walls and ceiling	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Flooring	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Lights and switches	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Closet	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (test each)	[Good / Fair / Poor]

Living room

Item	Condition at move-in	Condition at move-out	Notes and photo numbers
Walls and ceiling	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Flooring or carpet	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Windows, screens, and coverings	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Lights, switches, and outlets	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Heating and cooling vents	[Good / Fair / Poor]

Kitchen

Item	Condition at move-in	Condition at move-out	Notes and photo numbers
Walls and ceiling	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Flooring	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Cabinets and drawers	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Countertops	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Sink, faucet, and drain	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Refrigerator	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Stove and oven	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Dishwasher	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Microwave or range hood	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Lights and outlets	[Good / Fair / Poor]

Bedroom [1]

Item	Condition at move-in	Condition at move-out	Notes and photo numbers
Walls and ceiling	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Flooring or carpet	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Windows, screens, and coverings	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Closet and doors	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Lights and outlets	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Smoke alarm	[Good / Fair / Poor]

Bathroom [1]

Item	Condition at move-in	Condition at move-out	Notes and photo numbers
Walls and ceiling	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Flooring	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Toilet	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Sink, faucet, and vanity	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Tub or shower	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Mirror and cabinet	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Exhaust fan	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Lights and outlets	[Good / Fair / Poor]

Laundry, patio, and parking

Item	Condition at move-in	Condition at move-out	Notes and photo numbers
Washer and dryer, if provided	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Patio or balcony	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Storage	[Good / Fair / Poor]
Parking space	[Good / Fair / Poor]

Keys, remotes, and access

Item	Number given	Notes
Door keys
Mailbox keys
Garage or gate remotes
Access cards or fobs

Meter readings

Utility	Reading	Photo number
Electric
Gas
Water

Agreement

We walked through the unit together, and this checklist is an accurate record of its condition on the move-in date. The tenant may add written notes within [number] days of moving in.

	Name	Signature	Date
Tenant	[Name]	[Signature]	[Date]
Tenant	[Name]	[Signature]	[Date]
Landlord or manager	[Name]	[Signature]	[Date]

Move-out

We walked through the unit together on [Move-out date] and recorded its condition in the move-out column. Keys returned: [number and type]. Forwarding address: [Tenant's forwarding address].

	Name	Signature	Date
Tenant	[Name]	[Signature]	[Date]
Tenant	[Name]	[Signature]	[Date]
Landlord or manager	[Name]	[Signature]	[Date]

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Frequently asked questions

Is a move-in checklist required by law?

Only in some states. Several states require landlords to give tenants a written move-in checklist or condition statement, and some limit deposit deductions when the landlord skips it. Where it is optional, a signed checklist with dated photos is still the strongest record of the unit's starting condition. Check your state's rules.

What is normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear is the gradual decline that comes from ordinary living, such as faded paint, small nail holes or light carpet wear. Damage is harm beyond that, such as large holes, burns or pet stains. Landlords generally cannot deduct the cost of normal wear and tear from a security deposit.

Should the tenant get a copy of the move-in checklist?

Yes. Give the tenant a signed copy the same day and keep the original with your photos. Some states require the landlord to give the tenant a copy, and a shared record avoids later disagreement about what was already damaged when the tenancy began.

Move-In Condition Checklist

About this document

How to fill it in