Updated May 15, 2024
A move-in/move-out checklist is a document completed at the start and end of a rental period to determine damage caused by the tenant. Its main purpose is to protect a tenant’s security deposit from being deducted by the landlord without evidence of damage.
At the start of a lease, the landlord and tenant must sign and acknowledge the current condition of the property, including any pre-existing damages.
Deducting from the Security Deposit
If damages are found on the property at the end of the lease, the cost for the repairs is commonly deducted from the tenant’s security deposit (or billed to the tenant if no deposit was paid).
If repairs are needed, an itemized list should be entered into a security deposit return letter and sent to the tenant.
Requires a Move-in Checklist (17 States)
| State | Signing Requirements | Conditions | Statutes |
| Arizona | Move-in / Move-out Condition Checklist | None. | § 33-1321(C) |
| Arkansas | Move-in Inspection Form | None. | § 18-17-502 |
| Georgia | Move-in / Move-out Inspection Form | Only if a security deposit is collected. | § 44-7-33 |
| Hawaii | Property Condition Form | None. | § 521-42(6) |
| Kansas | Inventory and Condition of the Premises | None. | § 58-2548 |
| Kentucky | Move-in Inspection Form | Only if a security deposit is collected. | § 383.580(2) |
| Maryland | Move-in/Move-out Checklist | None. | § 8-203.1(a) |
| Massachusetts | Inventory Checklist | Only if a security deposit is collected. | Chapter 186, Section 15B(2)(b) |
| Michigan | Inventory Checklist | Only if a security deposit is collected. | § 554.608 |
| Montana | Move-in Checklist | Only if a security deposit is collected. | § 70-25-206 |
| Nevada | Move-in Checklist | None. | NRS 118A.200(k) |
| New Hampshire | Move-in Checklist | Only if a security deposit is collected. | RSA 540-A:6(I)(c) |
| North Dakota | Property Condition Statement | None. | § 47-16-07.2 |
| *Oregon (city of Portland*) | Move-in Checklist | None. | § 30.01.087(D)(1) |
| Utah | Move-in Checklist | None. | § 57-22-4(3) |
| Virginia | Move-in Checklist | None. | § 55.1-1214 |
| Washington | Move-in Checklist | Only if a security deposit is collected. | § 59.18.260 |
| Wisconsin | Move-in Inspection | Only if a security deposit is collected. | § 134.06 |
Related Forms
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Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument