Furnished Apartment Inventory Checklist: Document Every Item Before You Move In
Furnished apartments come with extra deposit risk. Every piece of furniture, appliance, and fixture that was there when you arrived can potentially be charged against you when you leave. This inventory checklist helps you log everything accurately so you have a clear record.
Start your free report ↓Why furnished rentals carry higher deposit risk
In an unfurnished flat, deposit disputes focus on walls, floors, and fixtures. In a furnished flat, the scope is much wider — sofas, mattresses, tables, chairs, curtains, kitchen equipment, and sometimes even cutlery. The more items a landlord owns in the property, the more potential deductions exist.
A thorough inventory taken before you unpack your first box is the only way to protect yourself from being charged for damage you did not cause.
Room-by-room furnished apartment inventory
Living room
- Sofa and/or armchairs — note any tears, stains, or frame damage
- Coffee table — scratches, chips, stains
- TV unit or shelving — condition, missing parts
- TV (if provided) — working, screen undamaged
- Curtains or blinds — hanging correctly, no tears or missing runners
- Rugs (if any) — stains, fraying, condition
- Lamps and light fittings — working, shade intact
Bedroom
- Bed frame — note any scratches, loose parts, missing slats
- Mattress — stains, tears, indentations (photograph thoroughly)
- Wardrobe — doors align, shelves intact, hanging rail secure
- Chest of drawers or bedside tables — condition, working drawers
- Desk and chair (if present) — condition, chair wheels or feet intact
- Bedding (if provided) — count items, note any stains
Kitchen
- All appliances — oven, hob, fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher
- Pots and pans — count, condition
- Cutlery — full set count if documented in lease
- Crockery — plates, bowls, mugs — count and condition
- Glasses and wine glasses — count, chips or cracks noted
- Kitchen utensils — note any missing items
- Kettle and toaster (if provided)
Bathroom
- Towel rails and hooks — secure, not rusting
- Shower curtain (if provided) — clean, no mould, all rings present
- Bath mat (if provided) — condition noted
- Toilet brush holder — condition
General / whole property
- All remote controls — present and working (batteries)
- Smoke detectors — test each one, working
- Carbon monoxide detector (if present) — working
- Fire extinguisher (if provided) — in place, not expired
- Instruction manuals for appliances — present
- Spare bulbs or other items noted in inventory — count confirmed
Inventory tip: If your lease includes a landlord inventory list, go through it item by item on move-in day. Note any discrepancies in writing before signing the inventory.
What photos to take for furnished inventory
- Each piece of furniture — full view plus any damage close-up
- Mattress — top side and sides, especially if stained
- Appliances open/on to prove they were working on arrival
- All remote controls laid flat in one photo
- Kitchenware spread out on the counter — confirms what was present
Frequently asked questions
Add them yourself before signing. Write "Tenant adds: [item description] — present on move-in, condition [good/fair/poor]" and initial the addition. This establishes you took responsibility for documenting it.
Only if they can prove it happened during your tenancy. A photo of the stain taken on move-in day — before you put any bedding on it — is your protection. Mattress stains are a common and often contested deduction in furnished rentals.
Report it to your landlord in writing as soon as it happens. Accidental breakage is often not covered by your deposit if you report it honestly and offer reasonable compensation — trying to hide it is far riskier.
Yes. Every item listed in your move-in inventory should be present at move-out. If something was lost or damaged during the tenancy, discuss it with your landlord proactively rather than hoping it goes unnoticed.