Rental inspection checklist: move-in, routine and move-out

Rental inspection checklists

Three inspections, one checklist each. Move-in before the keys are handed over, routine every few months during the tenancy, and move-out when the keys come back.

Move-in Move-in checklist A move-in inspection checklist for rental properties, built for landlords and property managers to document condition and reduce disputes at the start of a lease. Rental house Routine Routine rental inspection checklist A routine inspection checklist for rental properties, for landlords and property managers checking in during a lease. Run these annually, quarterly or on your own schedule. Rental house Move-out Move-out checklist A move-out inspection checklist for rental properties, built for landlords and property managers to record condition at the end of a lease and compare it against the move-in report. Rental house

Example checklist: Move-in

The move-in inspection is the record everything else is measured against. Walk the property with the tenant before they get the keys, note existing wear and damage, and have both of you sign it. Without it, a move-out dispute comes down to memory.

Complete this together with the renter. Check off acceptable items and record any damage or defects before the lease begins. Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working, and complete the lead-based paint disclosure for any home built before 1978.

Entrance

Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.

Front door
Lock and hardware
Doorbell
Lighting

Hallway

Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.

Walls
Doors
Lights and outlets
Floors and floor coverings

Living room

Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and outlets work.

Walls
Doors
Lights and outlets
Floors and floor coverings
Windows
Blinds and drapes
Heating and cooling

Kitchen and dining

Test all appliances, faucets and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to countertops or surfaces.

Walls
Doors
Lights and outlets
Floors and floor coverings
Windows
Blinds and drapes
Cabinets
Sinks and countertops
Range and oven
Refrigerator
Exhaust fan
Dishwasher
Garbage disposal

View the full template

Pro tips

How to record condition

A checklist with ticks in it settles nothing. What holds up later is evidence: what you saw, when you saw it, and whether the tenant agreed.

✓Photograph every room, including walls, floors and the inside of cupboards and appliances. Wide shots for context, close-ups for damage.
✓Keep timestamps. Photos taken on the day, with the date attached, are the difference between a claim and proof.
✓Use one condition scale and stick to it. "No issues" and "requires attention" beats a paragraph nobody reads.
✓Separate wear from damage. Faded carpet in a hallway is wear. A burn in the carpet is damage. Say which.
✓Get the tenant's signature at move-in and move-out, and send them a copy the same day.

This is the part myInspections does for you: photos, timestamps, condition and signatures land in one report from your phone.

Common mistakes

Skipping the move-in inspection, then trying to prove damage at move-out with nothing to compare against.
Writing "fine" or "ok" instead of describing what you saw.
No photos, or photos with no date on them.
Not testing the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms while you're standing next to them.
Turning up without the notice your tenancy law requires.
Never asking the tenant to sign the record.

Notice and entry

You can't walk in whenever you like, and the rules differ a lot from one jurisdiction to the next: how much notice, whether it has to be in writing, how often you can inspect at all. Your lease can ask for more notice than the law, never less, and emergencies like a burst pipe or a gas smell are the exception everywhere. A few examples below. Look up yours before you knock.

Jurisdiction	Notice for a routine inspection	Law
New Zealand	48 hours, at most once every 4 weeks	Residential Tenancies Act 1986, s 48
England	24 hours, in writing, at a reasonable time	Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, s 11
New South Wales	7 days, in writing, at most 4 a year	Residential Tenancies Act 2010, s 55
Victoria	7 days, in writing, at most once every 6 months	Residential Tenancies Act 1997, s 86
Ontario	24 hours, in writing	Residential Tenancies Act 2006, s 27
California	24 hours, in writing	Civil Code § 1954
Texas	No statute, the lease governs	Property Code ch. 92

Representative examples, not legal advice. Check your local tenancy law and your lease before you enter.

Some of our writing

Things we've learned from doing a lot of inspections.

September 2026 6 lessons from inspecting 100 properties By the time most inspectors reach their 100th property, they’re a lot more confident than on day one. The first few inspections often take longer, nerves get in the way, and m... September 2026 The most commonly missed items during routine inspections (and how to avoid them) Insights from a property inspector who’s completed hundreds of inspections If you own or manage a rental property, you probably already understand why routine inspections matte... February 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Move-In Inspections: Tips & Pitfalls to Avoid A clear and detailed move-in inspection sets the foundation for a smooth tenancy, ensuring both landlords and tenants are on the same page. Whether you’re a landlord or prop...

Things people ask

What is a rental inspection checklist?

A rental inspection checklist is a room-by-room list of the things a landlord or property manager checks when recording the condition of a rental property. It covers walls, floors, fixtures, appliances, safety devices and the outside of the home, with space to note condition and take photos. The same list is used at move-in, during routine inspections and at move-out so the records can be compared.

How often can a landlord inspect a rental property?

Most tenancy laws and leases allow routine inspections a few times a year with proper notice, and every 3 to 6 months is common. Inspecting far more often than that, or without notice, can count as harassment or a breach of the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment. Check your lease and your local tenancy law.

How much notice does a landlord have to give before an inspection?

It depends on where the property is. Most jurisdictions require written notice of somewhere between 24 hours and 7 days for a non-emergency entry, and some leave it to the lease. Emergencies such as a burst pipe do not require notice. Your lease can require more notice than the law but not less.

What should a landlord look for during a rental inspection?

Look for damage beyond normal wear and tear, maintenance problems such as leaks, mold or failing appliances, and safety issues such as missing or dead smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Check every room, test faucets and appliances, open windows, and photograph anything of concern.

Does the tenant have to be present for the inspection?

No, but it is a good idea for move-in and move-out inspections because both parties can agree on the condition and sign the record on the spot. For routine inspections the tenant can choose to be there, and you should still give the required written notice.

What is the difference between a move-in and a move-out inspection?

A move-in inspection records the property's condition before the tenant takes possession, so both parties have a baseline. A move-out inspection records the condition when the tenant leaves and compares it to that baseline. Any difference beyond normal wear and tear is what a landlord can claim against the bond or deposit.

Can a landlord take photos during an inspection?

Yes. Photos of the property's condition are the standard way to document an inspection and are the best evidence in a deposit dispute. Photograph the property, not the tenant's personal belongings, and share the photos with the tenant as part of the inspection report.

Rental inspection checklist