The Complete Move-In Inspection Checklist for Renters
7 min read · Updated October 7, 2026
The move-in inspection is the single most important thing you can do to protect your security deposit. Anything you don't record on day one can be blamed on you on the last day. This checklist walks you through every room so nothing gets missed.
Why the move-in inspection matters
When you move out, your landlord compares the unit to how it was when you moved in. Without your own record, it's your memory against their word. A dated, photographic report shows which scuffs, stains and broken fixtures were already there.
Do the inspection before you unpack. Empty rooms are easier to photograph and there's no question about whether your furniture caused a mark.
Before you start
- Charge your phone and turn on every light in the unit.
- Open blinds and curtains for natural light.
- Take a wide photo of each room first, then close-ups of details.
- Rate each item Good, Worn or Damaged and add a short note for anything that isn't Good.
- Test everything that moves, opens, flushes, heats or turns on.
Entry and living room
- Front door, lock, deadbolt and peephole
- Walls and ceiling: holes, nail marks, cracks, paint scuffs
- Flooring or carpet: stains, burns, tears, loose boards
- Windows, screens, locks and blinds
- Light fixtures, switches and outlets
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Baseboards and trim
Kitchen
- Countertops: chips, burns, stains, cuts
- Cabinets and drawers: hinges, handles, shelves, water damage under the sink
- Sink, faucet, sprayer and garbage disposal
- Inside the oven and stovetop burners
- Inside the fridge and freezer, including shelves and door seals
- Dishwasher racks and interior
- Microwave and range hood light and fan
Bathrooms
- Tub or shower: cracks, chips, mildew, caulking, grout
- Toilet: flushes properly, no leaks, seat secure
- Sink, vanity and under-sink area
- Mirror and medicine cabinet
- Exhaust fan, towel bars and toilet paper holder
- Floor tiles and around the base of the toilet
Bedrooms
- Walls, ceiling and paint
- Carpet or floors, especially corners and closet floors
- Closet doors, tracks, rods and shelves
- Windows, screens and blinds
- Outlets, switches and ceiling fan
Laundry, balcony and everything else
- Washer and dryer, including the lint trap and drum
- Water heater and HVAC vents
- Balcony or patio: railing, flooring, door track
- Garage, storage unit or parking spot
- Keys, fobs and remotes you were given
After the inspection
Save your report somewhere you won't lose it for the length of your lease and beyond. If your landlord gave you their own move-in form, fill it out to match your photos and keep a copy of what you hand back.
Duwelly builds this checklist automatically from a few questions about your home, opens your rear camera for each item, stamps every photo with a server-recorded time and turns it all into a professional PDF.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a move-in inspection take?
Plan for about ten minutes per room. A one-bedroom apartment usually takes under an hour when you follow a checklist.
Should I do the move-in inspection with my landlord?
A joint walkthrough is great if your landlord offers one, but always keep your own photos too. Your own dated record doesn't depend on anyone else's paperwork.
What if I already moved in?
Document the unit as soon as you can. A record made in your first week is still far better than no record at all.