Move-In Condition Checklist
A room by room record of the home's condition on move-in day, signed by landlord and tenant, plus the keys, meter readings and safety checks to note before the tenant settles in.
Use this template
Free, no sign up. Fill it in by hand or edit the Word file.
General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use.
General information, not legal advice. This template is a starting point. Laws differ by state and city, so have a licensed attorney review your final document before you use it.
Last reviewed
Before you use it
- A signed move-in checklist is the baseline every move-out deduction is measured against.
- Describe existing wear precisely and back it up with dated photos or video.
- Some states require a move-in condition statement, or limit deductions without one.
- Give the tenant a few days to add anything missed, in writing.
How to fill it in
- Underlined spaces are blanks to fill in. The small label says what goes there.
- Shaded boxes mark rules that change by state. Look up the rule where the property is located.
- Delete clauses that do not apply, and add any disclosures your state or city requires.
General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use. Last reviewed October 29, 2026.
Move-In Condition Checklist
Walk through together if you can. Write a condition for every item (new, good, fair, poor) and describe any existing wear or damage precisely, such as a 2 inch scratch on the bedroom door. Take dated photos or video of each room and keep them with this form. Give the tenant a signed copy.
- Property address and unit
- Tenant name or names
- Move-in date
- Inspection date and time
- Inspected by
- Photos or video saved at
Before the walkthrough
Keys and access
| Item | Quantity given | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Door keys | ||
| Mailbox keys | ||
| Garage or gate remotes | ||
| Fobs or access cards | ||
| Parking permits |
Meter readings
| Utility | Reading | Account holder |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ||
| Gas | ||
| Water |
Entry and living room
| Item | Condition | Notes and photo number |
|---|---|---|
| Front door, lock and doorbell | ||
| Floors or carpet | ||
| Walls and ceiling | ||
| Windows, screens and coverings | ||
| Lights, switches and outlets | ||
| Closet |
Kitchen
| Item | Condition | Notes and photo number |
|---|---|---|
| Floors | ||
| Walls and ceiling | ||
| Cabinets and drawers | ||
| Counters | ||
| Sink, faucet and disposal | ||
| Stove, oven and hood | ||
| Refrigerator | ||
| Dishwasher | ||
| Microwave | ||
| Lights and outlets |
Bathrooms
| Item | Bath 1 condition | Bath 2 condition | Notes and photo number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floors | |||
| Walls, ceiling and tile | |||
| Toilet | |||
| Tub or shower and caulk | |||
| Sink, faucet and vanity | |||
| Mirror and cabinet | |||
| Exhaust fan |
Bedrooms
| Item | Bedroom 1 | Bedroom 2 | Bedroom 3 | Notes and photo number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floors or carpet | ||||
| Walls and ceiling | ||||
| Doors and closets | ||||
| Windows, screens and coverings | ||||
| Lights, switches and outlets | ||||
| Smoke alarm |
Other areas
| Item | Condition | Notes and photo number |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry area and appliances | ||
| Heating and cooling, thermostat | ||
| Water heater | ||
| Garage or parking area | ||
| Patio, balcony or yard | ||
| Storage | ||
| Exterior, if rented |
The tenant may add items missed during the walkthrough in writing within Number of days days of move-in. Those additions become part of this record.
We agree this checklist accurately describes the condition of the home on the date above, and it will be compared with the home's condition at move-out.
General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use.