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Move-Out Inspection Checklist

Landlord, Tenant, and Property Manager Resource

Document unit condition at surrender with a move-out inspection checklist for landlords, property managers, and tenants. Collect room-by-room condition notes, photos or video, remaining belongings, keys and devices returned, meter readings, and signatures. Distinct from the existing move-in inspection page and from the tenant-move-out process list: this slug is move-out-inspection-checklist. Deposit deductions depend on the move-in baseline and state law. Not legal advice; confirm current security-deposit timing and itemization rules before you withhold funds.

Move-Out Inspection Checklist form template preview

Key Benefits

Walk every room against the move-in report
Attach dated photos or video of claimed damage
Log keys, fobs, remotes, and parking devices returned
Record meter readings and utility transfer dates
Get tenant and manager signatures on the same form
Build the file used for a deposit itemization

Common Use Cases

End-of-lease walk-throughs with the tenant presentUnilateral inspections when the tenant has already leftProperty managers standardizing turnover notesTenants documenting cleanliness to protect the depositCorporate housing unit surrendersComparing move-out photos to the move-in checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from move-in-inspection-checklist?
The library already has a move-in inspection page. This page is the move-out inspection counterpart (different slug). Use both: the move-in report is the baseline; the move-out report shows change.
How is this different from tenant-move-out-checklist?
Tenant-move-out-checklist is a broader process/document list for leaving. This page focuses on the inspection form itself—condition, photos, keys, and signatures.
Can we deduct for ordinary wear and tear?
Most states limit deductions to damage beyond ordinary wear. Photos, the move-in report, and invoices support a lawful itemization. Confirm current deposit statutes before you withhold.
Is this legal advice?
No. Security-deposit deadlines, allowed deductions, and whether a joint inspection is required vary by state. Confirm current rules before mailing an itemization or keeping funds.

Checklist

Baseline

Move-in inspection report and photos for comparison
Required

Do not assess damage without the move-in file.

Condition

Room-by-room condition notes: walls, floors, fixtures, appliances
Required

Distinguish wear from damage in the notes column.

Evidence

Dated photos or video of each room and any claimed damage
Required

Wide shots plus close-ups of issues.

Access

Keys, fobs, remotes, parking passes, and mailbox keys returned
Required

Note missing items that may be charged if the lease allows.

Utilities

Utility meter readings and account-transfer confirmation

Gas, electric, water as applicable.

Property

List of belongings left behind

Follow local abandoned-property rules before disposal.

Deposit

Tenant forwarding address for the deposit letter
Required

Starts many statutory clocks.

Execution

Tenant and inspector signatures, date, and time of walk-through
Required

Note if the tenant declined to attend.