Property management & leasing
Move-In Inspection: Definition & Example
What Is a Move-In Inspection?
A move-in inspection is a documented walkthrough of a rental unit at the start of a tenancy that records its condition, usually with a signed checklist and photos.
What does move-in inspection mean?
The move-in inspection creates the baseline for the security deposit. At move-out, the landlord compares the unit with the move-in record to separate new damage from pre-existing issues and normal wear and tear.
Some states require a written move-in condition report. Michigan, for example, requires landlords to give tenants inventory checklists. Even where it is not required, a dated checklist with photos protects both sides in a deposit dispute.
A good inspection covers every room, including walls, floors, fixtures, appliances, windows, and smoke detectors, and is signed by both the tenant and the landlord or manager.
Move-in inspection example
At move-in, the tenant and manager note a 3-inch scratch on the kitchen counter and a stained bedroom carpet, and they take photos. At move-out a year later, the same scratch and stain are present, so the manager cannot deduct for them from the security deposit.
Related terms
- Security DepositA security deposit is money a tenant pays a landlord at the start of a lease, held to cover unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear when the tenant moves out.
- Lease AgreementA lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and tenant that sets the rent, the term, and the rules each side must follow while the tenant occupies the property.
- Tenant TurnoverTenant turnover is when a tenant moves out and a new one moves in, along with the costs and vacant time that come with replacing them. It is often expressed as an annual turnover rate.
