Rental Property Inspection Checklist
A routine inspection checklist for occupied rentals: safety devices, leaks and moisture, systems, interior and exterior condition, lease compliance and the follow-up work each finding needs.
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
- Routine inspections catch leaks, safety problems and damage while they are still small.
- Give the notice your state and lease require before entering an occupied home.
- Focus on the condition of the property, not the tenant's housekeeping or belongings.
- Turn every finding into a work order with a due date.
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.
Rental Property Inspection Checklist
Use this for routine, seasonal or drive-by inspections during a tenancy. Give the notice the law and lease require before entering, keep the visit focused on the condition of the home, and photograph problems rather than the tenant's belongings. Turn every problem into a work order with a due date.
- Property address and unit
- Tenant name
- Inspection date and time
- Notice given on (date and method)
- Inspection type (routine, seasonal, move-in, move-out, drive-by)
- Inspected by
Life safety
Water and moisture
Systems and appliances
Interior condition
| Area | Condition (good, fair, needs work) | Notes and photo number |
|---|---|---|
| Living areas | ||
| Kitchen | ||
| Bathrooms | ||
| Bedrooms | ||
| Floors and carpet | ||
| Walls and paint |
Exterior and grounds
Lease compliance
Follow-up
| Issue found | Who is responsible (landlord or tenant) | Action and work order number | Due date | Done |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A copy of the findings that need the tenant's action will be sent to the tenant in writing by Date.
General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use.