Before tenants start unpacking their boxes and settling into their new rental property, there’s one very important document that needs to be completed, the move-in checklist. A move-in checklist also called an apartment inspection checklist or a rental walkthrough checklist is a document that allows landlords and tenants to state the current condition of the property and take note of any damages beyond normal wear and tear.
When written correctly, the checklist offers security to both tenants and landlords. As a tenant, it ensures that you won’t be charged for any damages or appliance failures you didn’t cause. As a landlord, the document can be used to prove that certain damages were done by the previous tenant and help keep the rental property in good condition. Whether you’re renting in Indianapolis, or a landlord in Dallas, it’s important to understand what a move-in checklist is and how to complete it.
For landlords:
The move-in checklist is a document that should be provided to tenants during the move-in process – preferably before they move into their new apartment. This checklist protects landlords and will hold tenants accountable for any damages to the unit beyond the normal wear and tear. Making note of pre-existing damage can help minimize disputes between landlords and tenant-related to returning the security deposit.
For tenants:
The move-in checklist provides the same protection to a new tenant. It helps tenants evaluate and record the condition of the property during the move-in process. It ensures that landlords and property managers keep the units in good condition, identify items that need to be repaired, and will help hold previous tenants accountable for any damage they caused while living in the space. The checklist may also serve as a written record if the property owner denies a tenant a security deposit return or if there’s a legal dispute in the future.
When a tenant is filling out the checklist they should remember to:
