Moving in and out
What should I check during a move-in inspection?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Test everything you might complain about later: appliances, faucets, toilets, hot water, heating and air conditioning, outlets, windows, locks and smoke detectors. Then note every existing mark, stain, crack and scratch on the landlord's checklist, or on your own list if they don't provide one, and send it to them within the first few days.
Go room by room, ideally before your furniture arrives, while you can see the floors and walls clearly.
- Kitchen: every burner, the oven, fridge and freezer temperature, a dishwasher cycle, the garbage disposal, signs of pests under the sink
- Bathroom: flush toilets, run the shower for hot water, look for leaks, slow drains and mold on caulk or the ceiling
- Walls, floors and carpets: holes, stains, scratches, burns
- Windows and doors: they open, close and lock, and screens are intact
- Safety: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work, exterior doors lock properly
- Systems: heat, air conditioning, light fixtures and every outlet (a cheap outlet tester helps)
Keep repairs separate from existing damage. Things that need fixing go to the landlord as a written repair request. Existing damage goes on the condition report so it isn't blamed on you later.
Ask the landlord to sign the report or reply confirming they received it. Some states require landlords to provide a move-in checklist, but even where they don't, your own list protects you.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting Your First Apartment: Applications, Leases and Move-in Costs.