A rental inspection checklist documents your rental unit’s condition and keeps each room’s status organized.
You should provide this checklist to your tenant upon move-in, offering an opportunity to report any issues in each room of your rental.
A rental inspection checklist should include the following:
General information:
- Move-in/Move-out dates: These dates are important to record to ensure a fair assessment of the property condition at the start and end of the lease.
- Tenant and property manager’s/landlord’s contact details: To facilitate open and easy communication.
- Emergency contact information: In case of emergencies, having contact is crucial for a quick response.
Exterior Inspection:
- Grounds: Check the general condition of the lawns, gardens, and any outdoor features such as pools or patios.
- Building Structure: Look for any signs of damage, like cracks, leaks, or areas that need painting.
- Roof and gutters: These should be in good repair and clear of debris.
- Windows and Doors: Check for cracks, proper operation, good sealing, and secure locks.
- Garage/Storage areas: These should be clean and secure.
Interior Inspection:
- Walls, Ceilings, and Floors: Check for damage such as holes, cracks, water stains, or marks.
- Windows: Ensure that they open and close properly and that the seals, locks, and screens are intact.
- Doors: Check for proper operation and secure locks.
- Lighting: Make sure all lights are functional.
- Ventilation and heating systems: Check that they’re operational and well-maintained.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure these are functional and up to code.
Kitchen Inspection:
- Appliances: Check that all appliances are clean, functional, and in good repair.
- Cabinets and Countertops: Look for damage, ensure doors and drawers open and close properly.
Bathroom Inspection:
- Plumbing: Check for leaks, ensure hot and cold water supply, and check that toilets flush properly.
- Shower/Tub: Look for signs of mold or leaks.
- Cabinets and Countertops: Check for damage or issues with operation.
Miscellaneous:
- Pest Control: Check for signs of pests.
- Cleanliness: Overall cleanliness can be indicative of how well the property is being maintained.
- Damage: Record any damage, especially compared to the condition noted at move-in.
- Personal Belongings: Note any personal items left behind by previous tenants.
What is a Rental Inspection Checklist?
A rental checklist is a document that provides a record of a property’s current condition.
It helps protect both parties to a lease agreement from false accusations or misrepresentations of the condition of the unit.
This document is also known as:
- Rental Walkthrough Checklist
- Move-In/Move-Out Checklist
- Condition of Rental Property Checklist
Why Should You Use a Property Inspection Checklist?
Ensuring that a rental property remains in good condition is a top priority for any landlord.
Keeping track of which previous tenants may be responsible for any uncovered damages can be difficult – especially with the stress of renting out a unit.
Important
A rental checklist organizes the condition of a property and tracks the liability of all incoming and outgoing tenants.
Failing to notice a missing window screen or chipped wood paneling can result in a potential (and costly) misunderstanding with new tenants – that is one case where our rental inspection checklist helps.
When Should You Require a Rental Checklist?
Tenants should complete a rental inspection checklist immediately upon signing the Lease Agreement and entering their new rental – logging all noticeable damages and defects.
Your role as the landlord or property manager will be to:
- Verify your tenant’s findings
- Sign off on the checklist
- Begin scheduling for repairs
In addition to logging noticeable damages and defects, it is always a good idea to photograph each issue.
Once a tenant vacates your rental, reference your original copy of the rental checklist and determine if the tenant caused excessive damage during the tenancy.
TIP
Light damage resulting from normal wear and tear is always the landlord’s financial responsibility.
Still, property owners should deduct the cost of any repairs that fall outside of that definition from the previous tenant’s security deposit.
What to Include in a Rental Inspection Checklist
We have made it entirely stress-free to conduct a property damage assessment with our free rental inspection checklist.
If you want to write a rental checklist even easier, use our builder to create a customized document with step-by-step guidance.
Here is how you fill out a rental inspection checklist.
Once you hand your tenants the keys to their new home:
- Provide them with a copy of our rental inspection checklist
- Have them walk through the unit, writing down any problems that they notice
- Ask them to deliver the checklist by the end of the day (or ASAP)
The rental inspection checklist here at Legal Templates conveniently divides each dwelling into the following sections:
| Entry | Living Room | Bedroom |
| Kitchen | Dining Room | Bathroom |
We have also included a garage section in our checklist for single-family houses or condominiums.
During a thorough walkthrough of the rental unit, your tenant should note the condition of various aspects of each room, such as the walls, flooring, mirrors, etc.
Confirm that their findings are valid, and then file a copy of the rental inspection checklist in the tenant’s account.
How to Write a Rental Inspection Checklist
Step 1 – Write the Tenant and Landlord’s Name, and Property Address
1. Tenant. Provide the tenant’s full name and the person renting the property from the landlord or property manager. If there is more than one tenant, provide the names of all tenants.
2. Landlord. Enter the full name of the landlord or property manager, the person who owns or manages the property.
3. Property Address. Fill in the street (physical) address of the rental property.
Step 2 – Enter Move-In or Move-Out Date
4. Move-In Inspection Date. Write the date you are conducting the move-in inspection.
5. Move-Out Inspection Date. Fill in the date you are conducting the move-out inspection.
Step 3 – Fill in the Entry Condition
6. Entry. Write the move-in or move-out condition of each area of the entry if the rental property has an entry area. You can write other portions of the entry not indicated on the checklist.
Step 4 – Document Kitchen Condition
7. Kitchen. State the move-in or move-out condition of each area of the kitchen if the rental property has a kitchen.
Step 5 – State Living Room Condition
8. Living Room. Specify the move-in or move-out condition of the living room if the rental property has a living room.
Step 6 – Fill in Dining Room Condition
9. Dining Room. Enter the move-in or move-out condition of the dining room if the rental property has a dining room.
Step 7 – Note Bedroom 1 Condition
10. Bedroom 1. Fill in the move-in or move-out condition of the bedroom if the rental property has one bedroom.
Step 8 – Enter Bedroom 2 Condition
11. Bedroom 2. Write move-in or move-out the condition of a second bedroom if the rental property has a second bedroom. If the rental property has more than two bedrooms, you can add additional sections to the checklist.
Step 9 – Note Bathroom 1 Condition
12. Bathroom 1. Document the move-in or move-out condition of the bathroom if the rental property has one bathroom.
Step 10 – Write Bathroom 2 Condition
13. Bathroom 2. Enter the move-in or move-out condition of a second bathroom if the rental property has a second bathroom. If the rental property has more than two bathrooms, you can add additional sections to the checklist.
Step 11 – Document Garage Condition
14. Garage. Write the move-in or move-out condition of the garage if the rental property has a garage.
Step 12 – Fill in the Condition of Miscellaneous Areas
15. Miscellaneous. You can include the move-in or move-out condition of additional spaces in the rental property or items that have not been previously addressed.
Step 13 – Enter Notes
16. Other Notes. You can include any additional notes as needed.
Remember, both the landlord and tenant should review and sign off on the checklist. Taking photos can be a good idea for a clear record. It’s also important to follow the local laws and regulations regarding rental inspections.
Rental Inspection Checklist Sample
Below you can find what a rental inspection checklist typically looks like:
