Move-In Inspection Checklist: Document Your Rental Before You Unpack
Moving into a new rental is exciting — but the first 24 to 48 hours are the most critical window for protecting your deposit. This checklist walks you through every room, tells you what photos to take, and explains how to send the report to your landlord so you have timestamped evidence from day one.
Start your free report ↓Why you must inspect before you unpack
Most deposit disputes happen because neither the tenant nor the landlord has a clear record of what the property looked like at move-in. Once you start unpacking, furniture moves, marks appear, and it becomes impossible to prove what was pre-existing. Your move-in inspection report is your insurance policy.
Do this on the same day you receive the keys, before you bring in a single box. Ideally, your landlord or property manager is present — but even if they are not, a timestamped report with photos creates a record they cannot easily contest.
Tip: Take photos with your phone's camera (not a filter app) so metadata includes the date and time. Cloud backup (Google Photos, iCloud) adds another timestamp layer.
Room-by-room inspection checklist
Entrance / Hallway
- Front door condition — scratches, chips, seal
- Door lock and keys — all keys accounted for, lock works smoothly
- Doorbell or intercom working
- Walls — scuffs, marks, holes, stains
- Floor — scratches, stains, loose tiles or boards
- Light fittings — working, no damage
- Skirting boards — cracks or chips
Kitchen
- Oven and hob — turns on, clean, no broken elements
- Extractor fan — working, not clogged
- Refrigerator and freezer — clean, seals intact, no smell
- Dishwasher (if present) — runs a cycle without leaking
- Sink — drains well, no chips, tap pressure adequate
- Countertops — burns, chips, stains
- Cupboards inside and out — hinges working, no damage
- Walls and tiles — cracks, mould, grout condition
- Floor — scratches, lifted edges, stains
Bathroom
- Bath or shower — chips, stains, grout, silicone seal
- Toilet — flushes fully, seat secure, no cracks in porcelain
- Sink — no chips, drain clear, tap working
- Mirror — no cracks or black spots
- Extractor fan — working
- Walls and tiles — mould, cracks, missing grout
- Floor — slippery mat hooks, tile condition
- Hot water temperature — turns hot within reasonable time
Bedroom(s)
- Walls — marks, holes, stains, damp patches
- Windows — open and close fully, locks work, double-glazing intact
- Floor — scratches, stains, carpet snags
- Wardrobe (if present) — doors align, shelves intact, no damage
- Light fittings — working bulbs, no damage
- Electrical sockets and switches — all working, no scorch marks
- Curtain rails or blinds — secure, no damage
Living Room
- Walls — marks, scuffs, cracks
- Windows and curtains/blinds
- Floor — carpet stains, scratch marks on wood or laminate
- Fireplace (if present) — surround intact, no soot damage
- Sockets and TV aerial point — working
- Ceiling — stains, cracks, mould spots
Balcony / Outdoor Space
- Balcony doors — lock works, seals intact
- Railings — secure, no rust or damage
- Floor surface — cracking, drains not blocked
- Any fixtures left — condition and ownership noted
What photos to take
For each room, take at least these photos:
- One wide shot of the whole room from the doorway
- Close-up of any existing damage — even if small
- Meter readings (gas, electric, water) on day one
- All keys provided (laid out in one photo)
- Front door number (proves which property you are documenting)
Key photo tip: Include a coin or pen in the frame next to small damage to show scale. A tiny scratch photographed up close can look like a large gouge without context.
When to send your move-in report to your landlord
Send your completed report within 24 hours of receiving the keys. Most tenancy agreements have a short window for raising move-in issues — often 3 to 7 days. Waiting longer weakens your position.
Send it by email so there is a timestamp and a delivery record. Copy in any co-tenants. Keep the email and any reply in a dedicated folder.
How to use the PDF from this tool
Download your report as a PDF and attach it to your landlord email. The PDF includes your name, the property address, inspection date, room conditions, and damage log. Upgrade to the full pack to remove the watermark and add a signature section and landlord email template.
Frequently asked questions
It is better if they are, but not required. A timestamped report with photos that you send by email the same day creates a record your landlord received — and did not dispute in a timely way.
Review it carefully and add your own notes for anything missing or incorrect. Sign it only once you are happy, or note your disagreements in writing before signing.
A thorough inspection of a 1-bedroom apartment takes 20 to 30 minutes. A 3-bedroom house may take 45 to 60 minutes. Do not rush it — your deposit is worth the time.
Minor scuffs on walls, small carpet wear in high-traffic areas, and slightly faded paintwork are generally considered normal wear and tear that the landlord cannot deduct for. Large holes, deep stains, and broken fixtures are not.
This tool helps organize inspection notes and photos. It is not legal advice and does not constitute a legally binding document on its own. Consult a local tenants' rights organization if you face a dispute.