Move-in checklist
A move-in inspection checklist for rental properties, built for landlords and property managers to document condition and reduce disputes at the start of a lease.
Instructions
Complete this together with the renter. Check off acceptable items and record any damage or defects before the lease begins. Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working, and complete the lead-based paint disclosure for any home built before 1978.
Entrance
Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.
- Front door
- Lock and hardware
- Doorbell
- Lighting
Hallway
Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
Living room
Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and outlets work.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and drapes
- Heating and cooling
Kitchen and dining
Test all appliances, faucets and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to countertops or surfaces.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and drapes
- Cabinets
- Sinks and countertops
- Range and oven
- Refrigerator
- Exhaust fan
- Dishwasher
- Garbage disposal
Bathroom
Test faucets, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mold or damage to fittings.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and drapes
- Mirror and cabinet
- Bath
- Shower
- Sink and vanity
- Toilet
- Exhaust fan
Laundry room
Test the washer and dryer and check the utility sink for damage or leaks.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and drapes
- Washer and dryer
- Utility sink
Bedroom
Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and drapes
- Closet
Stairs
Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.
- Handrail
- Treads and risers
- Lighting
General
Check trash and recycling cans, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.
- Trash and recycling cans
- Locks
- Insulation
- Smoke alarms present and working
Garage
Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and outlets
- Floor
- Door and remote
Carport
Check the roof and supports are sound and free of damage.
- Roof and supports
- Floor
- Lighting
Exterior
Check siding and paint, gutters and downspouts. Note any signs of moisture or damage.
- Siding and paint
- Gutters and downspouts
Yard
Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the mailbox is present and usable.
- Lawns and gardens
- Fencing
- Mailbox
- Driveway and walkways
HVAC and water heater
Run the heating and cooling through a full cycle and check the water heater for leaks or corrosion.
- Furnace or heating system
- Air conditioning
- Thermostat
- Air filter replaced
- Water heater and temperature setting
- Pressure relief valve and drain pan
- No leaks or corrosion
Windows, screens and storm doors
Open and close each window. Check screens are present and free of tears.
- Windows open, close and lock
- Screens present and intact
- Storm doors and windows
- Weatherstripping and caulking
- Glass free of cracks
Basement, crawl space and attic
Look for water intrusion, musty smells and any sign of pests. Test the sump pump if there is one.
- Sump pump
- Signs of water intrusion or staining
- Foundation cracks
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Pest activity
Furnishings and appliances
List furnishings and appliances provided by the landlord.
Keys
Photograph all keys supplied and note the count, including spares, garage remotes and mailbox keys.
- Number of keys supplied
- Spare keys
- Garage remote
- Mailbox key
Meter checks
Record gas, electricity and water meter readings at the start of the tenancy.
- Gas meter reading
- Electricity meter reading
- Water meter reading
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Confirm alarms are installed and working before the tenant moves in. Placement and carbon monoxide requirements vary by location, so check the rules that apply where the property is.
- Smoke alarm on every level, including the basement
- Smoke alarm inside and outside each sleeping area
- Carbon monoxide alarm where there is a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage
- Every alarm tested and sounding
- No alarm past its expiry or replacement date
- Batteries fresh in any battery-powered alarm
Lead-based paint disclosure
For housing built before 1978, federal law requires the landlord to disclose known lead-based paint hazards and give the tenant the EPA pamphlet before the lease is signed, under 42 U.S.C. 4852d and 40 CFR Part 745, Subpart F. See epa.gov/lead.
- Year of construction confirmed
- Known lead-based paint or hazards disclosed in writing
- Records and reports available to the tenant provided
- EPA pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home given to the tenant
- Signed disclosure form attached to the lease
- Paint surfaces checked for chipping, peeling or deterioration
Run your Move-in on your phone
Start from this template in the myInspections app, work through each area, and capture photos and video as you go.
Consistent, professional reports
Share a secure link that opens in any browser, or download a polished PDF.
Ditch the paper on your next inspection.
Finish the report before you get back to the car.