Landlord Move-Out Inspection Checklist: Fair and Documented Tenant Handover
A professional move-out inspection protects both you and your tenant. It provides a clear record for any deposit deductions, reduces the likelihood of disputes, and establishes you as a fair landlord — which matters for references and avoiding costly adjudication.
Start your free report ↓Why a documented inspection process matters for landlords
Deposit disputes are time-consuming and often decided against landlords who cannot provide sufficient evidence. A documented, professional inspection — conducted consistently for every tenancy — is your best protection.
In most deposit protection schemes, the burden of proof for deductions falls on the landlord. A condition report with photos, compared to an equivalent move-in report, is the gold standard of evidence.
Before the inspection: prepare your baseline
- Locate the original move-in condition report and photos
- Review the original inventory (if furnished)
- Check the tenancy agreement for any specific clauses on cleaning or repairs
- Arrange to do the inspection with the tenant present if possible
- Allow enough time — do not rush it
Move-out inspection checklist
Each room — compare to move-in report
- Walls — marks, holes, stains beyond move-in state
- Paintwork — new damage or deterioration beyond normal wear
- Ceiling — stains, cracks not present at move-in
- Floor — scratches, stains, damage beyond move-in state
- Windows and locks — working, no new damage
- Light fittings — working, no damage
- Sockets — working
Kitchen
- Oven and hob — clean or dirty (note the move-in condition)
- Extractor — filters cleaned or replaced
- Fridge and freezer — defrosted, clean
- Dishwasher — clean, filter rinsed
- Sink and taps — no new damage, drains clear
- Countertops — new burns, chips, stains vs move-in state
- Cupboards — all items removed, clean inside
Bathroom
- Toilet — cleaned, no new damage
- Bath or shower — grout and silicone condition vs move-in
- Sink — unblocked, no new chips
- Mould — any beyond what was present at move-in?
Fixtures and fittings
- All light bulbs — working
- Door handles and locks — functional
- Smoke and CO alarms — present and working
- Keys returned — correct number accounted for
- Parking permit, FOBs, or access cards returned
Furnished items (if applicable)
- All items from inventory present
- Condition vs move-in inventory
- Remote controls and manuals returned
Determining fair deductions
Assess deductions based on the difference between move-in and move-out condition. Account for:
- Tenancy length — longer tenancies expect more wear
- Age of items — you cannot charge full replacement for an old carpet
- Betterment rule — you cannot improve the property at the tenant's expense
- Fair wear and tear — minor scuffs, small nail holes, and surface carpet wear are not chargeable
Professional tip: Use a professional cleaning company's quote as reference for cleaning charges — not a higher amount. Deposit adjudicators often reduce claims that exceed market rates.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in most jurisdictions you must give reasonable notice — typically 24 to 48 hours — before entering the property even for an end-of-tenancy inspection. Check your local landlord-tenant law.
Conduct the inspection anyway with a witness if possible, photograph everything thoroughly, and send the report to the tenant in writing. Their absence does not invalidate your findings, but having a witness is helpful.
Specific enough to match a deduction amount to a specific item of damage. "General cleaning £200" without a breakdown is often rejected. "Oven cleaning — professional quote £65, grout replacement bathroom — contractor quote £90" is more likely to succeed.
Not required, but professional inventories carry more weight in disputes because they are independently created. For high-value deposits or furnished properties, it may be worth the investment.