Move-In Inspection Checklist

Most security deposit fights come down to one question: was that damage already there? Without a written record, it is your word against the landlord's — and landlords usually win that argument. A room-by-room inspection completed on move-in day, with photos, turns a vague disagreement into a documented fact. Paid inspection apps charge monthly subscriptions for this, and the free alternatives are static PDF checklists you cannot update, photograph, or compare. This tool gives you the interactive version for free, entirely in your browser.

Start at the front door and work room by room. For each item, be honest but specific: "Good" with no notes means you accept the condition as fine, while "Fair — paint scuffs behind the bedroom door" creates a precise record a landlord cannot argue with later. Photograph everything that is already damaged, and photograph the overall room too — wide shots establish context that close-ups lack. Turn on your phone's location and timestamp if your camera supports it; metadata is extra proof of when a photo was taken.

Do not skip the boring items. Outlets, smoke detectors, window screens, and appliance interiors are exactly the things landlords deduct for, because tenants rarely document them. Test appliances while you are there: run the stove burners, open the fridge, flush the toilets, run each faucet hot and cold. A note that says "dishwasher runs, slight rust on lower rack — move-in" is worth more than any argument later.

At move-out, the re-check is what makes this tool different from a checklist PDF. Record the same items again and the report highlights every change automatically. Normal wear and tear — small nail holes, faded paint, worn carpet in traffic areas — is not tenant damage in most states, and a side-by-side comparison makes it easy to separate wear from real damage. Print two copies of the final report, sign and date both with your landlord, and keep yours with your lease paperwork until the deposit is returned.

• Complete the move-in record on or before the day you get the keys — never weeks later.
• Both parties should sign; if the landlord refuses, email them a copy so delivery is timestamped.
• Keep photos until your deposit is refunded, plus a few months beyond in case of disputes.