Rental Property Inspection Checklist
Ensure your investment is protected with this comprehensive Rental Property Inspection Checklist for move-in, move-out, and routine maintenance assessments.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
A rental property inspection is more than just a walkthrough; it is a legal and financial safeguard. For landlords, it justifies the withholding of security deposits for damages beyond normal wear and tear. For tenants, it prevents being charged for pre-existing issues. This process typically takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the size of the property.
Regular inspections (every 6-12 months) also allow owners to spot lease violations, such as unauthorized pets or smoking, while ensuring that safety devices like smoke detectors are fully operational. This checklist is structured to follow a logical path through the property to ensure nothing is missed.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | Success Criteria | If Not Done / Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke & CO Detectors | Required | DIY | 10 min | Alarms sound on test; batteries fresh | Replace unit or batteries immediately |
| HVAC Filter Condition | Required | Either | 5 min | Filter is clean and correctly sized | Replace filter; schedule HVAC service |
| Under-Sink Plumbing | Required | DIY | 10 min | No moisture, corrosion, or active leaks | Call plumber; dry area to prevent mold |
| Window Locks & Seals | Required | DIY | 15 min | Windows lock securely; no drafts | Repair latches; replace weatherstripping |
| Appliance Functionality | Recommended | DIY | 20 min | Stove, fridge, and DW operate correctly | Schedule appliance repair technician |
| Wall Condition (Holes/Scuffs) | Required | DIY | 20 min | No holes larger than a nail head | Patch and paint; deduct from deposit |
| Flooring & Carpet Wear | Recommended | Either | 15 min | No stains, burns, or structural tears | Professional cleaning or replacement |
| Toilet Flush & Seal | Required | DIY | 5 min | Flushes fully; no rocking at base | Tighten bolts or replace wax ring |
| Grout & Caulk (Wet Areas) | Recommended | DIY | 15 min | No gaps, peeling, or black mold spots | Recaulk tub, shower, or backsplash |
| Exterior Door Deadbolts | Required | DIY | 10 min | Locks engage smoothly; keys work | Replace lockset or lubricate cylinder |
| Electrical Outlets (GFCI) | Required | DIY | 10 min | GFCI trips and resets in wet areas | Replace faulty GFCI outlet immediately |
| Roof & Gutter Visual | Recommended | Professional | 20 min | No visible leaks or debris buildup | Schedule gutter cleaning or roof repair |
| Pest Infestation Signs | Required | Either | 15 min | No droppings, nests, or wood damage | Contact pest control professional |
| Light Fixtures & Bulbs | Optional | DIY | 10 min | All sockets work; matching bulbs | Replace bulbs or check circuit breaker |
| Cabinet Hinges & Drawers | Optional | DIY | 10 min | Open/close smoothly without sticking | Tighten screws or lubricate tracks |
| Water Heater Temperature | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | Set to 120°F; no signs of leaking | Adjust thermostat or check relief valve |
| Handrails & Balusters | Required | DIY | 10 min | Securely fastened; no wobbling | Tighten mounting hardware |
| Landscaping & Walkways | Recommended | Either | 15 min | No trip hazards; plants trimmed | Schedule yard maintenance |
Use this table as your primary guide during the walkthrough. Mark each item as 'Pass', 'Fail', or 'N/A'. For every 'Fail' result, take at least two photos: one close-up of the issue and one wide shot to show the location within the room.
After completing the table, review the findings with the tenant if they are present. Both parties should sign and date the final document to acknowledge the findings. This prevents 'he-said-she-said' arguments during the move-out process.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Consistency is key to successful property management. Use the same checklist for every unit to ensure fair treatment of all tenants.
- Always check for 'hidden' leaks inside vanities and behind toilets.
- Test every single key provided to the tenant during the inspection.
- Look for signs of 'unauthorized occupants' like extra beds or excessive trash.
- Check the age of smoke detectors; they usually expire every 10 years.
- Smell for pet odors or smoke which may be masked by air fresheners.
- Verify that the tenant hasn't painted walls without permission.
- Check that all window screens are present and untorn.
- Ensure the thermostat is responsive and the emergency heat works.
- Document the condition of the garage and any outbuildings.
- Keep a digital backup of all signed inspection reports for at least 7 years.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
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