Move-out inspection checklist
This checklist records the condition of a rental property room by room when a tenant leaves. Use the same sheet at move-in, and comparing the two becomes simple.
Move-out inspection checklist
Property details
| Property address | |
|---|---|
| Tenant name | |
| Landlord or agent | |
| Inspection date | |
| Move-in report date |
Living room
- Walls and ceiling
- Floor or carpet
- Windows and blinds
- Doors and handles
- Lights and sockets
Kitchen
- Oven and hob
- Fridge and freezer
- Dishwasher or washing machine
- Cupboards and worktops
- Sink and taps
- Extractor hood
Bedrooms
- Walls and ceiling
- Floor or carpet
- Wardrobes
- Windows and blinds
- Lights and sockets
Bathrooms
- Bath or shower
- Toilet
- Basin and taps
- Tiles, grout and sealant
- Extractor fan
- Mirror and fittings
Outside and safety
- Balcony or garden
- Smoke alarms working
- Carbon monoxide alarm working
Notes on damage or cleaning
| Item, location and photo number | |
|---|---|
| Item, location and photo number | |
| Item, location and photo number |
Meters and keys
| Electricity reading and serial | |
|---|---|
| Gas reading and serial | |
| Water reading and serial | |
| Keys and fobs returned |
Signatures
| Tenant signature | |
|---|---|
| Landlord or agent signature | |
| Date |
On a phone, choose Save as PDF in the print screen.
Prefer to fill it in on screen? Use the free online version.
What the checklist is for
It gives landlords, agents and tenants a shared written record of the property on a set date. Paired with the move-in version and dated photos, it shows what changed during the tenancy. That is what any deposit decision usually comes down to.
What each section should contain
- Property details: address, tenant and landlord or agent names, and the inspection date.
- Each room: a tick for each item in acceptable condition, with notes on any marks, damage or missing items.
- Kitchen and bathrooms: appliances inside and out, sealant, grout and taps.
- Meter readings: each meter with its reading and serial number.
- Keys: how many of each were returned.
- Signatures: both parties, if they inspect together.
How to fill it in well
Go room by room in the same order as the move-in report. Where something is not acceptable, write what and where, such as "Two pin holes above bed, wall behind headboard", not just "walls marked". Note cleanliness separately from damage, as they are usually treated differently.
Take photos as you go, with a wide shot of each room and close-ups of anything noted, and write the photo numbers next to the items. Photograph each meter so the reading is clear.
Tenant or landlord
The same checklist works for both sides. Landlords and agents use it to record what needs putting right before the next tenant. Tenants use it to keep their own record, which is useful if the landlord's report is late, missing or disputed. Either way, keep a copy with the move-in report and the photos from both dates.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using a different checklist from the one used at move-in.
- Ticking whole rooms as fine without opening cupboards and appliances.
- Doing the inspection in poor light or after dark.
- Not giving the tenant a copy.
Questions
Is this the same as a property condition report?
Broadly yes. A condition report is often the name used at move-in, and this checklist covers the same rooms and items so the two can be compared.
Does this decide who pays for damage?
No. It is a record. Deposit rules and disputes depend on your tenancy and where you live, so check with your deposit scheme, rental authority or a qualified adviser.
Can I tailor the rooms?
Yes. The free inspection checklist maker lets you choose move-out or move-in, pick rooms and items, tick them and add notes, then print or save as a PDF.