Move-In Inspection Checklist
This free, printable move-in inspection checklist walks you through your rental room by room, so you leave with a clear, dated record of the home's condition on day one. It's a personal documentation aid — not a legal form, not legal advice, and not a substitute for any inspection form your landlord or lease requires.
Educational — information, not legal advice. Print or save it free.
A note on official forms: this checklist is a personal documentation aid. It is not a substitute for any condition or inspection form your landlord, your lease, or a housing program requires. If you're given an official form, complete and return that form as well.
The short answer
It walks you through your rental room by room on the day you get the keys, so you leave with a dated record of its condition — existing damage, fixtures, and matching photos. This checklist is free and printable, with no account and no email. Nothing you check off, fill in, or print is sent to us — it stays with you. Not a substitute for a landlord's official form.
- Walk through every room before bringing in your furniture, if possible.
- Photograph every room, closet, and appliance with a visible timestamp, including close-ups of any existing damage.
- Record a short walkthrough video, narrating out loud what you see in each room.
- Note existing damage, stains, scratches, and wear in writing, not just in photos.
- Test every light switch, outlet, and ceiling fixture.
- Run all faucets, check water pressure, and look for leaks under sinks.
- Test the toilet, shower, and tub to confirm they drain properly.
- Check that every window and door opens, closes, and locks correctly.
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and note the date on any visible battery or inspection label.
- Check the basic function of the heating and cooling system.
- Look for signs of pests, mold, or water damage in corners, under sinks, and around windows.
- Count and photograph any furniture, blinds, or appliances included with the unit.
- Upload your written move-in notes and photos to your Renter Shield evidence vault the same day.
- Ask your landlord or property manager for a written move-in condition report, and request a copy for your records if one exists.
How to use this checklist
- Print this page or save it to your phone before you get the keys.
- Walk the unit room by room and check each item, taking dated photos as you go.
- Note anything already damaged or worn, however small, next to the matching item.
- If your landlord or lease provides its own inspection form, complete and return that form too.
- Keep your finished checklist and photos together somewhere safe, and share a copy with your landlord if you'd like a mutual record.
Keep your records in one place.
Renter Shield stores your photos, receipts, and messages in a private, time-stamped evidence vault — free to start.
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Common questions
Is this move-in checklist legal advice?
No. It's an organizational aid that helps you document your rental's condition. Renter Shield publishes legal information and practical tools, not legal advice; it is not a law firm, and this page is not attorney-reviewed. For legal questions, a licensed attorney or free legal aid is the right place.
Do I need an account to use it?
No. You can read, print, or save this checklist free, with no account and no email. Nothing you check off, fill in, or print is sent to us — it stays with you.
Does this replace my landlord's inspection form?
No. If your landlord, lease, or housing program provides an official condition or inspection form, complete and return that form. This checklist is a personal record you keep alongside it, not a replacement for it.
What should I photograph during a move-in inspection?
Every room, closet, and appliance — with close-ups of any existing damage, stains, or wear, and a visible timestamp where possible. The checklist above walks you through it item by item. Your photos stay on your phone, and nothing you check off or fill in here is sent to us.
About this tool
Renter Shield is a renter-protection app: state-specific rights information, deadline reminders, a private on-device evidence vault, and calm, professional letter drafts. This checklist is one of its free tools — it stays free, with or without the app.
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Private by design: everything on this page stays with you. Nothing you check off, fill in, or print is sent to us.
Your copy: you may print or share this page for personal use. Not legal advice.
Printing for others: schools, housing offices, legal-aid programs, and community organizations are welcome to print and set out unmodified copies of this checklist for the people they serve, with attribution to rentershield.app. Doing so does not imply any partnership with or endorsement by Renter Shield.