Why This Checklist Exists

Security deposit disputes are one of the most common headaches renters face. A landlord may claim that damage was caused by you during your tenancy — even if that crack in the wall or stain on the carpet was already there when you arrived. Without documented proof, it's your word against theirs.

This checklist gives you a systematic way to inspect and record the property's condition before you move in a single item. It takes less than two hours and could save you hundreds of dollars when you eventually move out. If you're still working through the basics of renting, our guide to signing your first rental covers the full pre-lease process.

Print this checklist, walk through every room, and keep a copy of everything you submit to your landlord. It's the kind of preparation that quietly pays off later.

Don't Skip This Step If the Landlord Seems Rushed

Some landlords may discourage a thorough walkthrough by saying the property is "move-in ready" or that a formal inspection isn't necessary. Politely insist anyway — it's your right as a tenant, and it protects both parties. A landlord who is genuinely confident in the property's condition shouldn't object.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Gather these tools before your walkthrough so you're not hunting for things mid-inspection.

Required

Smartphone with a working camera

Take timestamped photos of every existing flaw throughout the property.

Required

Printed or digital copy of this checklist

Work through rooms systematically without missing areas.

Required

Notepad or notes app

Record specific locations and descriptions of damage alongside your photos.

Required

Phone charger or small plug-in lamp

Test every electrical outlet quickly and easily.

Optional

Flashlight or phone torch

Illuminate dark corners, under-sink cabinets, and closets where flaws hide.

Required

Cloud storage or email account

Store and send your documented photos and notes with an automatic timestamp.

Set aside time before your furniture arrives — ideally on key-handover day. Good natural light makes it easier to spot scuffs, stains, and hairline cracks that you'd miss later once rugs and furniture are in place.

The Room-by-Room Checklist

Work through each group systematically. If you find a problem, note its exact location (e.g., "north wall, 18 inches from door frame"), take a timestamped photo, and circle it on a hand-drawn floor sketch if helpful. The goal is to be specific enough that there's no ambiguity later.

Walls, Ceilings & Floors

Photograph every wall in each room, capturing the full surface from corner to corner. Must
Note any scuffs, holes, cracks, stains, or peeling paint, recording exact locations. Must
Check ceilings for water stains, discoloration, or sagging — these can indicate a leak above. Must
Inspect floors for scratches, chips, loose tiles, or stained carpet and document each one. Must
Look along baseboards and floor edges for signs of moisture or mold. Should

Windows, Doors & Locks

Open and close every window to confirm it moves freely, latches securely, and seals properly. Must
Test every door — including closet and interior doors — to make sure it opens, closes, and latches without sticking. Must
Check that all exterior locks and deadbolts function correctly with the keys provided. Must
Look for cracked or broken window glass and note any torn or missing window screens. Should

Kitchen & Appliances

Turn on every burner of the stove and run the oven to confirm they heat properly. Must
Run the dishwasher through a short cycle and check under the sink for leaks afterward. Must
Test the refrigerator and freezer — check that doors seal and the interior reaches appropriate temperatures. Must
Run the kitchen faucet at full pressure and inspect the cabinet below for moisture or damage. Must
Check that exhaust fans work and note any grease buildup that was pre-existing. Should

Bathrooms

Flush every toilet and confirm it fills and stops running within a reasonable time. Must
Run every shower and bathtub faucet, checking for adequate water pressure and hot water delivery. Must
Inspect grout and caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks for cracks, gaps, or existing mold. Must
Check under bathroom sinks for water stains, moisture, or signs of a previous leak. Should
Test the bathroom exhaust fan and note if it is missing or non-functional. Should

Electrical & Safety

Plug a phone charger or small lamp into every electrical outlet to confirm it has power. Must
Test every light switch and note any that are non-functional or produce flickering. Must
Locate the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and press the test button on each one. Must
Find the electrical panel and confirm the breakers are labeled clearly. Should

General & Exterior

Confirm the heating and cooling system turns on and produces air at both settings. Must
Test the doorbell, intercom, or building entry system if present. Should
Check assigned parking, storage, or mailbox access is as described in your lease. Should
Walk any outdoor areas, balconies, or patios and photograph existing damage or worn surfaces. Nice to have

For a deeper look at what different rooms' warning signs can mean structurally, see our room-by-room home warning signs checklist.

After the Walkthrough: What to Do Next

Completing the walkthrough is only half the job. How you handle the paperwork determines whether the documentation actually protects you.

  1. Compile everything into one document. Include your written notes alongside dated photos. Many renters use a shared cloud folder so files have an automatic timestamp.
  2. Email it to your landlord within 24–48 hours. Written communication creates a paper trail. Request a read receipt or ask them to confirm they received it.
  3. Keep a personal copy indefinitely. Store it somewhere you'll find it in 12 or 24 months — not just on a phone you might replace.

If your landlord provides their own move-in inspection form, complete both yours and theirs. Having two records rarely hurts, and it signals that you're a careful, organised tenant.

When you're ready to think about the other end of your tenancy, our move-out checklist walks you through the steps to leave on solid footing. And once you've done the inspection, you can start thinking practically about your space — our room-by-room setup sequence helps you get functional fast without wasting effort.

Always Get Confirmation in Writing

Verbal acknowledgment from your landlord means very little if a dispute arises months later. After your walkthrough, send your completed inspection notes and photos by email so there is a dated, written record. If your landlord disagrees with any item you've flagged, that conversation should also happen in writing. Keep all correspondence for the full duration of your tenancy.