Updated November 08, 2023
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 | Checklist | Exceptions | Statute |
| Arizona | Move-in / Move-out Condition Checklist | None. | § 33-1321(C) |
| Georgia | Move-in / Move-out Inspection Form | Only required 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 required if a security deposit is collected. | § 383.580(2) |
| Maryland | Move-in/Move-out Checklist | None. | § 8-203.1(a) |
| Massachusetts | Inventory Checklist | Only required if a security deposit is collected. | Chapter 186, Section 15B(2)(b) |
| Michigan | Inventory Checklist | Only required if a security deposit is collected. | § 554.608 |
| Montana | Move-in Checklist | Only required if a security deposit is collected. | § 70-25-206 |
| Nevada | Move-in Checklist | None. | NRS 118A.200(k) |
| New Hampshire | Move-in Checklist | Only required 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 only) | 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 required if a security deposit is collected. | § 59.18.260 |
| Wisconsin | Move-in Inspection | Only required if a security deposit is collected. | § 134.06 |
Related Forms
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument