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Draft a Move-In/Move-Out Checklist with our customizable template. Ensure the condition of the property you are renting or residing in is accounted for at the beginning and end of a lease.
Last Update March 4th, 2026
Reviewed by John Roach, Esq.
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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 [1].
The document is split into 2 sections:
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 if the damage was the fault of the tenant and exceeded normal wear and tear.
Use our tenant Move-In Checklist template to create your document and ensure your property and items are accounted for.
A Move-In or Move-Out Checklist for tenants and landlords can benefit both parties.
A move-in checklist also provides proof that the parties agreed to what the condition of the residence was upon move-in. Thus, if either side later claims that the condition was different, the signed checklist can refute that contention.
A move-in checklist also provides proof that the parties agreed to what the condition of the residence was upon move-in. Thus, if either side later claims that the condition was different, the signed checklist can refute that contention. Review the following table that explains how the document helps both tenants and landlords.
| Landlord | Tenant |
|---|---|
| Encourages proactive maintenance and upkeep of the property. | Provides a chance to spot and report any necessary repairs early on. |
| Justifies necessary deductions from the security deposit for damages. | Helps prevent unnecessary deductions from the security deposit for pre-existing damage. |
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:
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:
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.
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.
| State | Rule | State Law |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Must be provided under any circumstances | §33-1321(C) |
| Georgia | Must be provided only when a security deposit is taken | §44-7-33 |
| Hawaii | Must be provided under any circumstances | §521-42(6) |
| Kansas | Must be provided under any circumstances | §58-2548 |
| Kentucky | Must be provided only when a security deposit is taken | §383.580(2) |
| Maryland | Must be provided under any circumstances | §8-203.1(a) |
| Massachusetts | Must be provided only when a security deposit is taken | §186-15B(2)(b) |
| Michigan | Must be provided only when a security deposit is taken | §554.608 |
| Montana | Must be provided only when a security deposit is taken | §70-25-206 |
| Nevada | Must be provided under any circumstances | §118A.200(k) |
| New Hampshire | Must be provided only when a security deposit is taken | §540-A:6(I)(c) |
| North Dakota | Must be provided under any circumstances | §47-16-07.2 |
| Oregon (Only Portland) | Must be provided under any circumstances | §30.01.087(D)(1) |
| Utah | Must be provided under any circumstances | §57-22-4(3) |
| Virginia | Must be provided under any circumstances | §55.1-1214 |
| Washington | Must be provided only when a security deposit is taken | §59.18.260 |
| Wisconsin | Must be provided only when a security deposit is taken | §134.06 |
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.
Each of these real estate documents can be found in our legal library.
Resources: [1] Move In Checklist. City of Seattle.
To completely understand how to use your Checklist, we have answered some of the most common queries about the document.
Review the responses to these questions to ensure that you know exactly how to get and use the document.
Once you have completed your Move-In Checklist, you must keep a copy of the document for your records.
You’ll also need to make sure that you address any reported or unreported issues that you or the other party find upon inspection of the property.
Remember to keep track of the property periodically by performing inspections and regular maintenance as well.
One of the typical ways to get a Move-In/Move-Out Checklist is to go to a real estate attorney or agent to draft you one. This option, however, can take an unnecessary amount of time and expense.
You can create your own Move-In/Move-Out Checklist with our easy-to-use template. While we're not a substitute for personal legal advice, our documents offer you a reliable foundation, empowering you to handle common legal matters with ease.
