The Move-In Inspection Checklist

Before anything else

• Walk the whole unit filming a continuous video, narrating the date and unit number as you go. This is your master record.
• Get the property’s move-in inspection form (paper or resident portal) and note the submission deadline.
• Photograph every flaw you find below, close up and wide.

Every room

• Walls, ceiling, floors: scuffs, stains, nail holes, carpet damage.
• Doors: close and latch properly, locks work, no holes.
• Windows: open, close, lock; screens intact; blinds work.
• Every light switch and outlet (bring a phone charger to test).
• Smoke and CO detectors present, test button works.
• Heating and cooling: run both, confirm the thermostat responds.

Kitchen

• Run every appliance: stove burners, oven, microwave, dishwasher (full cycle), disposal.
• Fridge and freezer cold, seals intact, no smells.
• Under the sink: leaks, water stains, mold.
• Cabinets and drawers open and close; note damage inside.

Bathroom

• Flush the toilet; check it refills and doesn’t run.
• Run sink and shower: drainage speed, hot water, pressure.
• Caulk and grout: cracks, mildew, mold spots (photograph these especially).
• Exhaust fan works.

Bedroom and furniture

• Flip the mattress and check both sides: stains, damage, and anything that says “get the mattress topper.”
• Every piece of included furniture: photograph existing damage, look under couch cushions.
• Closet doors, shelves, and rods.

Then lock it in

• Submit the inspection form by the deadline, attaching or referencing your photos.
• Email yourself (and the office) a copy so there’s a dated record.
• Upload the video and photos to cloud storage; keep them until the deposit is returned after move-out.