Free inspection checklist with photos
Move-in checklist
Walk through the rental with your tenant room by room. Record the condition, take photos on your phone, both sign on screen, and download a PDF report with every photo.
Move-in checklist · Move-out checklist · Routine inspection
Why a move-in inspection matters
The move-in checklist is the baseline for the security deposit. At move-out you compare the unit with it: damage beyond normal wear and tear can come out of the deposit, and anything already noted at move-in cannot. Photos with dates make the record much harder to dispute.
What to check in each room
- Walls, ceilings and floors: holes, stains, scuffs, carpet wear.
- Windows, screens, blinds and doors: cracks, missing screens, locks that stick.
- Kitchen appliances: stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher; turn each one on.
- Bathrooms: toilet, tub or shower, caulking, exhaust fan, signs of leaks.
- Safety: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors tested, heating and AC working.
- Keys and remotes handed over, with the number of each.
State rules for move-in condition records
Some states require a written condition report or photos. Examples, checked against the statutes in October 2026:
| State | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| California | For tenancies that begin on or after July 1, 2025, the landlord must photograph the unit immediately before or at the start of the tenancy. | Civil Code § 1950.5(g) |
| Massachusetts | If the landlord takes a security deposit, give a signed statement of the unit's condition within 10 days after the tenancy starts (or on receiving the deposit, if later). The tenant has 15 days to sign it or attach a list of damage. | G.L. c. 186 § 15B |
| Virginia | Within 5 days after occupancy, the landlord gives the tenant a written report of visible damage. It is deemed correct unless the tenant objects in writing within 5 days. | Code § 55.1-1214 |
| Michigan | At the start of the lease the landlord gives 2 blank copies of an inventory checklist; the tenant returns one within 7 days of moving in. | MCL § 554.608 |
Other states have their own rules, and many leases require a move-in report anyway. A signed report with photos is good practice everywhere.
Where are the photos stored?
Only in this browser on your device. Nothing is uploaded. Download the PDF report to keep the photos with your records and send the tenant a copy.
Can the tenant fill it in?
Yes. Either side can use it. The best record is one you walk through together and both sign.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. The Photo button opens the camera, and both of you can sign with a finger on the screen.
This checklist is a record-keeping tool, not legal advice. Rules change; check the current law for your state and city.
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