A pre-move-out inspection catches problems before they become deposit disputes. Walk the unit with this checklist 2-3 weeks before move-out so tenants have time to fix issues and you have time to plan turnover work.

Before the Walkthrough

Send written notice at least 48 hours in advance (check your state for specific notice requirements). Bring these items.

Documents:

• Original move-in inspection report with photos
• Current lease agreement
• Blank move-out checklist (this one works)
• Maintenance request history for the unit

Tools:

• Smartphone for photos and video
• Flashlight for under sinks and in closets
• Outlet tester ($8 at any hardware store)

Tell tenants to remove personal items and do a basic clean before the inspection. This isn't the final move-out. It's a preview so both sides know what to expect.

Kitchen Checklist

The kitchen takes the most abuse and generates the most deposit disputes. Go item by item.

Countertops and cabinets:

• Burns, stains, or chips on countertops
• Cabinet doors close properly, no broken hinges
• Drawers slide smoothly, no missing hardware
• Under-sink area dry, no water damage or mold

Appliances (test every one):

• Stove/oven: all burners ignite, oven heats, knobs intact
• Refrigerator: cooling properly, ice maker works, seals intact, no cracks in shelves or drawers
• Dishwasher: runs a full cycle without leaking, racks roll smoothly
• Microwave: runs, interior clean, door latch works
• Garbage disposal: runs without grinding noises

Sink and plumbing:

• Faucet runs hot and cold without dripping
• Drain flows without backup
• Sprayer hose works (if equipped)
• No water stains on ceiling below (if applicable)

Surfaces:

• Backsplash tiles intact, no cracked grout
• Floor tiles or vinyl intact, no tears or lifted edges
• Light fixtures work, covers intact

Bathroom Checklist

Check every bathroom individually. Water damage hides in bathrooms more than anywhere else.

Toilet:

• Flushes properly, doesn't run continuously
• No rocking (indicates broken wax seal)
• Seat intact, no cracks
• No water stains at base

Shower/Tub:

• Caulking intact around tub edges and shower pan
• Tile grout in good condition, no missing sections
• Showerhead works, no leaks at connection
• Drain flows freely
• Glass doors or shower curtain rod secure
• No mold or mildew on walls or ceiling

Vanity and sink:

• Faucet runs hot and cold, no drips
• Drain stopper works
• Mirror intact, no cracks or delamination
• Cabinet doors and drawers functional
• Under-sink area dry

Ventilation:

• Exhaust fan runs and actually pulls air
• No excessive moisture on walls or ceiling

Bedrooms and Living Areas Checklist

These rooms are usually the easiest unless there's pet damage or heavy furniture marks.

Walls and ceiling:

• Nail holes (normal wear and tear in most states)
• Large holes, dents, or gouges (tenant damage)
• Scuff marks or crayon/marker (tenant damage)
• Water stains on ceiling
• Paint peeling or bubbling

Flooring:

• Carpet stains, burns, or pet damage
• Hardwood scratches deeper than surface level
• Laminate or vinyl tears, lifted edges, or water damage
• Tile cracks or missing grout

Windows and doors:

• All windows open, close, and lock properly
• Screens intact, no tears or holes
• Blinds or window coverings present and functional
• Interior doors close and latch
• Door stops present (missing ones = holes in walls)

Closets:

• Shelving secure, rods intact
• Doors or sliding tracks functional
• No damage to walls or flooring inside

Electrical:

• All outlets work (use your outlet tester)
• Light switches functional
• Ceiling fan works on all speeds (if equipped)
• Light fixtures have bulbs and covers

HVAC and Mechanical Systems

These are expensive to fix and easy to overlook.

• Thermostat responds and displays correctly
• Heat kicks on within 2-3 minutes of thermostat adjustment
• AC cools within 5 minutes
• Air filter condition (note the size for turnover purchasing)
• Supply and return vents clear of obstructions
• Water heater set to appropriate temp (120°F standard), no rust at base
• Furnace filter compartment accessible

Exterior and Garage

For single-family rentals and townhomes. Skip for apartments where exterior maintenance is your responsibility regardless.

Yard and landscaping:

• Lawn maintained per lease requirements
• Sprinkler heads intact, no broken lines
• Trees and shrubs trimmed away from structure
• No unauthorized structures (sheds, fire pits, etc.)

Exterior structure:

• Siding or stucco damage
• Gutters attached and clear
• Exterior faucets work, no leaks
• Fence gates close and latch
• Deck or patio in good condition

Garage:

• Garage door opens and closes (both auto and manual)
• Safety reverse sensor works
• Floor free of oil stains beyond normal use
• Shelving and storage intact
• No unauthorized modifications (outlets, walls, etc.)

Normal Wear and Tear vs. Tenant Damage

This distinction determines what you can deduct from the deposit. Get it wrong and you'll lose in small claims court.

Normal Wear and Tear

Tenant Damage

Small nail holes from hanging pictures

Large holes or anchors left in walls

Faded paint or minor scuffs

Crayon, marker, or paint splatters

Carpet worn thin in high-traffic paths

Carpet burns, pet stains, or large stains

Loose door handles from regular use

Broken doors, holes punched in doors

Faded or slightly stained curtains

Missing or shredded blinds

Minor scuffs on hardwood

Deep gouges or water damage on hardwood

Worn caulking around tub

Mold from lack of ventilation/cleaning

When in doubt, compare to your move-in photos. That's why the move-in inspection report is the most important document in this process.

After the Walkthrough

Give the tenant a copy of findings. List every issue you found, whether it's normal wear or potential damage, and estimated repair costs. Be transparent. Tenants who know what's coming don't fight deposit deductions as hard.

Give tenants a chance to fix things. A tenant who patches their own nail holes and deep cleans the kitchen saves you turnover time and reduces deposit disputes. Set a deadline (usually move-out day).

Schedule turnover work. Based on what you found, line up contractors or maintenance staff. Prioritize in this order:

• Safety issues (smoke detectors, locks, electrical)
• Habitability items (plumbing, HVAC, appliances)
• Cosmetic work (paint, carpet, cleaning)

Document everything with photos. Take wide shots of each room and close-ups of any damage. Use good lighting. These photos are your evidence if a tenant disputes deposit deductions.

A thorough pre-move-out inspection takes 30-45 minutes for a standard unit. It saves hours of back-and-forth on deposit disputes and gets your unit rent-ready faster.

For more on documenting damage properly, see our guidelines for documenting rental property damage and repairs. And when you're ready for the next tenant, our move-in checklist picks up where this one leaves off. Need help with utility transfers between tenants? We automate that.