Free Move-In / Move-Out Checklist

A Move-In/Move-Out Checklist is a document that lists all the items and conditions of a rental property before and after a tenant moves in or out. 

The document is split into 2 sections: 

• New home Move-In Checklist
• Move out Checklist

It is used to ensure that both the landlord and the tenant agree on the condition of the property and items. In other words, the form addresses any repairs that need to be attended to during move-in.

Upon move out any damages should be reported, and the landlord can take the necessary amount out of the security deposit. 

Use our tenant Move-In Checklist template to create your document and ensure your property and items are accounted for.

Why Is it Important to Get a Checklist When Moving In or Out?

A Move-In or Move-Out Checklist for tenants and landlords can benefit both parties. Review the following table that explains how the document helps both tenants and landlords.

You ensure accountability and transparency from the other party in addition to legal protection when you use a Checklist. 

When creating your Move-In inspection list and tenant Move-Out Checklist, it’s essential to add the items that need to be reviewed both at the beginning and end of the lease agreement.

You should also separate them into categories based on the rooms they are found in.

Here are the items that should be part of your Checklist:

• Kitchen: Appliances such as the refrigerator, stove, and exhaust fan, as well as the sink, ceiling, and all other crucial parts of the kitchen.
• Dining room: Floor, ceiling, table, windows, lighting, and outlets should be included.
• Bedrooms: Doors, ceiling, floor, closets, lighting, windows, desks, beds, and other typical items and furniture found in the bedroom can be mentioned.
• Bathrooms: Plumbing fixtures, shower, bathtub, and ventilation fan can be added to your Checklist.
• Living room: Sofa, television, windows, chairs, along with any lighting may be added.

It’s a good idea to mention the stairs and other common areas of the property as well. If there’s a backyard or garage you can also include the items and features of those areas

There are various key elements to add to your Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning Checklist. Each section ensures that the other party is responsible for the state of the property and whatever is inside of it. 

These are the steps you must take to write your Checklist correctly:

1. Write the property details: Include the address of the property, its size inspection dates, and the tenant’s name.
2. Include all the Items and features: List the items and features of each room that must be inspected, such as windows, doors, and lightbulbs.
3. Mention the property condition: Create a column of the condition of the items that state the condition of each item that should be added for both move-in and move-out.
4. Add any costs: Calculate and mention the amount of money spent on repairs.
5. Put a forwarding address: Add the tenant’s forwarding address if any extra information is needed in the future.
6. Leave an area for signatures: Keep spaces available on the document for both the landlord’s and tenant’s signatures must also be included so you and the other party can sign and date the document, making it official.

It’s also a good idea to have some additional spaces in your Checklist for any special features in the property. 

Ensure that you are legally protected from any false claims or damages by using our tenant Move-In/Move-Out Checklist template to draft your document error-free.

Depending on your state, as a landlord, you may be required to provide a Move-In Checklist. The Checklist must state in what condition the property is found. 

Take a look at the table below to see if your state requires a Move-In Checklist.

To help you make your own Move-In/Move-Out Checklist we have provided a well-crafted example below. 

Use our sample Checklist to understand what to include and how to structure your own document. 

When dealing with another party during a tenancy there are similar documents that are needed to help you avoid legal problems. 

Use these related documents to make certain that you and your property are protected throughout a rental period. 

• Residential Lease Agreement
• Lease Termination Letter
• Not Renewing Lease Letter
• Property Management Agreement
• Rental Application

Each of these real estate documents can be found on LawDistrict.