Rental Walkthrough Checklist: Step-by-Step Guide for Tenants and Landlords
A rental walkthrough conducted together by tenant and landlord is the gold standard for deposit protection. Both parties see the same property, agree on the same notes, and sign the same document. This guide shows you how to run one properly.
Start your free report ↓Why a joint walkthrough is the best protection for both sides
When both tenant and landlord conduct the inspection together, there is no "my word against yours" dispute later. Items agreed in person, written down on the spot, and signed by both parties are far more defensible than a report created independently by either side.
If your landlord offers a joint walkthrough, take it. If they do not offer one, request it. If they decline, do your own inspection thoroughly and send the report in writing.
Before the walkthrough: what to prepare
Tenant preparation
- Your move-in condition report (for a move-out walkthrough)
- Camera charged and ready
- A copy of the tenancy agreement to verify what was agreed
- List of any maintenance requests submitted during tenancy
- Notes on any issues you want to raise or pre-existing damage you documented
Landlord preparation
- Original move-in condition report and photos
- Original inventory (if furnished)
- A blank walkthrough form or this tool on a device
- Flashlight — for checking under sinks, in cupboards, and in darker areas
- Calculator or repair cost reference list
Conducting the walkthrough: room by room
Move room by room in a set order. Do not skip rooms. For each room:
- Assess the overall condition — agree on a rating (excellent / good / fair / poor)
- Note any specific issues — both pre-existing items that are unchanged, and new damage
- Photograph anything you note
- Record who is responsible for the issue (pre-existing, tenant, landlord, or disputed)
Walkthrough sequence (recommended order)
- Front entrance and hallway
- Kitchen
- Living room
- Bedrooms (one by one)
- Bathroom(s)
- Any storage areas or utility rooms
- Balcony or garden
- Cellar or attic (if applicable)
How to handle disagreements during the walkthrough
If you and the landlord disagree on whether something is new damage or pre-existing:
- Reference the move-in report and photos immediately
- Note the dispute on the walkthrough form — do not sign off on something you disagree with
- Both parties can note their position: "Tenant states pre-existing / Landlord states new"
- Unresolved disputes should go through the deposit protection scheme's adjudication process
Important: Do not sign a walkthrough report that includes damage you dispute. Your signature on a landlord's report may be interpreted as acceptance.
After the walkthrough
- Both parties should receive a copy of the completed report
- Any agreed repairs should be noted with an expected timeline
- The report should be signed and dated by both tenant and landlord
- Store the report for at least 12 months after the tenancy ends
What if the landlord will not do a joint walkthrough?
Conduct your own inspection immediately and send a detailed report with photos to the landlord before the inspection takes place. Request written acknowledgement. If the landlord refuses to engage, note this in writing — it creates a record that they were uncooperative.
Frequently asked questions
For a 1-bedroom apartment, allow 30 to 45 minutes. For a 3-bedroom house, 60 to 90 minutes. Include extra time at the end to review notes and sign the report.
Yes. Having a witness supports your account of what was agreed during the inspection. Most landlords will not object to a friend accompanying you.
It is strong evidence of what both parties agreed to observe. It does not constitute a final binding agreement on financial amounts — deductions still need to be itemised and agreed, or resolved through the deposit scheme process.