A Quick Guide to Move-In and Move-Out Checklists for Rental Property Owners
Whenever you rent out a property to a new tenant or your current tenant leaves the property, you need to ensure that the residence is in good condition.
Conducting a property inspection is key for reducing your damage liability and avoiding security deposit disputes. Move-in and move-out checklists are also essential because they facilitate smooth, efficient transitions for your maintenance team and your valued customers.
This post will discuss some of the most important checkpoints and provide a printable checklist for landlords and their team.
Items to Inspect Before a Tenant Moves In
The following checklist of items can be used when inspecting a property before a tenant moves in, as well as after the resident vacates the property.
- Appliances, (refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, HVAC system, water heater, water softener, dishwasher, garbage disposal, vent hood, ice maker, etc.)
Inspect the following appliance components to ensure each appliance and all parts are in proper working order:
- Fans
- Gaskets
- Heating Elements
- Hoses
- Pilot Lights
- Plumbing
- Racks
- Seals
- Supply and Drains Lines
- Thermostat
- Wiring
- Other Individual Parts
- Attached Window and Doorstops
- Wall Mounted Guards (that protect against doorknob damage)
- Attic and Basement Access Doors
- Bathroom and Kitchen Faucets
- Built-in Drawers and Cabinets (be sure to check the hardware in kitchens, bathrooms, closets and living spaces)
- Ceiling Fans (check operations and appearance)
- Door Paint Condition
- Exhaust Fans
- Fire Extinguisher
- Fireplace Flue, Paint, and Chimney
- Flooring and Baseboards
- Sinks, Showers, Bathtubs, Whirlpools, Saunas (remember to check drains, strainers, hand-held wands, and other accessories, along with structural integrity. Look for chips in ceramic basins, leaks and missing tile that could allow water damage)
- Staircase Rails, Guards, and Handrails
- Switch Plate Covers (operations of outlets and light switches in all rooms—don’t forget the porch light and other exterior fixtures)
- Wall Paint, Wallpaper, Trim, Molding, and Ceiling
- Weather Stripping on Windows and Doors
- Window and Door Operation
- Window Glass, Sills, Frames, Screens, Blinds, Latches/Locks, and Other Hardware
Additional Rental Inspection Items to Check For
The above checklist is a fundamental starting point. Some property management companies responsible for dozens or hundreds of rental units use software that allows staff members to upload photos and notes to individual rental unit records when completing move-in and move-out inspections.
For people who plan to use this checklist for non-digitally supported inspections, it would be beneficial to expand on some areas. For example, you could add an individual list that might include the following in the kitchen section:
- Be sure all cabinets and drawers are clean, shelves are level, and doors close properly
- Check counters and backsplash for missing tiles
- Clean and test garbage disposal
- Clean door tracks, frames, knobs, handles, screens, etc.
- Also Clean light fixtures, drawer knobs, and cabinets hinges
- Clean windows
- Dishwasher: clean interior/exterior, make sure all racks, baskets, and soap dispensers are in place and good repair
- Inspect refrigerator kick plate, coils, gaskets, shelves, ice maker supply line, ice/water dispenser, interior light bulb, and filter
- Polish chrome
- Refrigerator: clean the interior, exterior, under the appliance
- Repair or replace missing vinyl or flooring material as needed
- Stove: clean, repair, or replace knobs, drip pans, vent hood, light bulbs, hood filter, the floor under the stove, and confirm burners and indicator lights are working
- Sweep, mop, and wax the floor
- Touch up or resurface the ceiling and walls as needed
Protect Your Rental Property Investment
Whether you choose to use a list for each room or you rearrange the above suggestions to accommodate the entire rental property, using a checklist will ensure your assets are protected, and all your bases are covered come move-in and move-out time. And, speaking of protecting your assets, remember to inspect security features in your rental such as door locks and striker plates, peepholes, and keyless entry technology to be sure your security system is working. Retrieve all keys for the rental unit and mailbox from tenants that are leaving and assign working keys and entry gate passcodes to your new tenant after locks have been rekeyed.
Each rental property is unique. A checklist for a studio apartment will not be as extensive as one for a four-bedroom single-family rental home with an outdoor pool and large deck for entertaining. This quick guide should motivate you to create your comprehensive checklist,so move-in/move-out inspections are easier and more efficient for everyone.