Rental move-in inspection checklist

Record the condition of a rental on the day you move in, so existing marks are not blamed on you when you move out. Use the list below on paper, or open the interactive version to tick items on your phone and turn them into a report in English or Chinese.

Open the interactive checklist

No sign-up. Your notes stay on your device. Make the report in English or Chinese.

Download the printable PDF (A4, English + Chinese)

Before you start

1. Ask for the landlord's or agent's inventory and read it before you start.
2. Charge your phone and turn on the date stamp in your camera if it has one.
3. Take wide photos of every room first, then close-ups of anything damaged.
4. Photograph meter readings and count every key and fob.
5. Send your report in writing (email) within the time your lease allows, and keep the sent copy.

The checklist, room by room

Tick each item OK, issue or not applicable. Grey text explains how to check.

Entrance

• Front door opens and closes smoothly, no rubbing
  Open and close it fully 3 times and listen for rubbing. The gap around a closed door should look roughly even.
• Every key, card or code opens the lock
  Try each key or card yourself, not just one. A door closer should shut the door gently, not slam it.
• No cracks where the door frame meets the wall
  Look along all four sides of the frame for cracks or gaps in the sealant. Tools: Torch
• Door and frame free of scratches and dents
  Shine a torch at a low angle across the surface — scratches show up much more clearly. Tools: Torch
• Doorbell / intercom works
  Ask someone to ring from outside or from the lobby; check sound, video and the door-release button.

Living / dining room

• Walls have no cracks, holes or stains; paint is even
  Shine a torch along the wall at a low angle; patches and dents become visible. Tools: Torch
• Ceiling has no water stains or cracks
  Pay attention near windows and outside walls.
• Floor not cracked, chipped, scratched or hollow-sounding
  Tap tiles with a coin; photograph scratches on wooden floors with something for scale. Tools: Coin
• Room door, handle and lock work
  Open, close and lock it a few times.
• Windows open, close and lock; screens and blinds OK
  Slide or open each window fully.
• No leak marks or mould around window frames
  The bottom corners are the most common spots. Tools: Torch
• Sockets are live and wired correctly
  Use a plug-in socket tester; note any abnormal light pattern. Tools: Socket tester
• Skirting boards and trims intact
  Walk around the room once.
• Lights and switches work
  Switch each one on and off.

Bedroom (each)

• Walls have no cracks, holes or stains; paint is even
  Shine a torch along the wall at a low angle; patches and dents become visible. Tools: Torch
• Ceiling has no water stains or cracks
  Pay attention near windows and outside walls.
• Floor not cracked, chipped, scratched or hollow-sounding
  Tap tiles with a coin; photograph scratches on wooden floors with something for scale. Tools: Coin
• Room door, handle and lock work
  Open, close and lock it a few times.
• Windows open, close and lock; screens and blinds OK
  Slide or open each window fully.
• No leak marks or mould around window frames
  The bottom corners are the most common spots. Tools: Torch
• Sockets are live and wired correctly
  Use a plug-in socket tester; note any abnormal light pattern. Tools: Socket tester
• Skirting boards and trims intact
  Walk around the room once.
• Lights and switches work
  Switch each one on and off.

Kitchen

• Sink drains well, no leaks underneath
  Fill the sink halfway, let it drain, then wipe the joints underneath with a tissue to see if they are damp. Tools: Tissue
• Hot and cold water both work at the tap
  Run both. Hot water may take a while if the heater has to start first.
• Worktop has no chips, cracks or burn marks; sealant is continuous
  Use a torch at a low angle along the worktop and the joint with the wall. Tools: Torch
• Cupboard doors, hinges and drawers work and line up
  Open and close every door and drawer once.
• Cooker hood / extractor works
  Try every speed; hold a tissue near it to feel suction. Tools: Tissue
• Hob and oven switch on
  If gas or power is not connected yet, mark N/A and note it for a follow-up visit.
• Kitchen sockets are live
  Use a plug-in socket tester on each socket. Tools: Socket tester
• Supplied appliances work and are clean inside (fridge, oven, washer…)
  Open each one and photograph the inside. Note existing marks, smells or missing shelves.

Bathroom (each)

• Floor drains well, no standing water
  Pour a bucket of water and watch where it goes; photograph any puddle left behind. Tools: Bucket
• No drain smells
  Check that floor drains have a water trap or anti-odour cover.
• Toilet flushes, refills and is firmly fixed
  Flush twice and watch the cistern refill; push gently to make sure it doesn't rock.
• Basin drains well, no leaks underneath
  Run water, then wipe the joints underneath. Tools: Tissue
• Shower / bath: hot and cold water and pressure OK
  Try hot and cold and switch between tap and shower head.
• Tiles not cracked, chipped, loose or hollow
  Tap tiles lightly with a coin; a clearly hollow sound can mean poor adhesion. Mark spots with masking tape and photograph. Tools: Coin, masking tape
• Silicone sealant intact, no mould
  Check around the bath, shower tray, basin and toilet base.
• Extractor fan works
  Switch it on and hold a tissue near the grille. Tools: Tissue
• Shower screen or door closes properly, seals in place
  Open and close it a few times; look for missing or loose seals.

Balcony / utility area (each)

• Floor drains, no standing water
  Pour water and watch it flow to the drain. Tools: Bucket
• Railings are firm
  Push firmly by hand. If height or strength looks doubtful, ask a professional. Tools: Tape measure
• Washing-machine water supply and drain are in place
  Check there is a tap and a drain and enough space for a machine.
• Balcony door or window slides and locks
  Slide it all the way and lock it.
• Water heater / boiler looks properly installed and vented
  It should be fixed firmly and vent to open air. Gas appliances should be checked by a qualified technician.
• No damp stains or white salt marks on walls or ceiling
  White powdery deposits (efflorescence) often point to moisture. Photograph the location.

Whole home

• Breaker panel is labelled; RCD / GFCI test button trips
  Press the test button, confirm it trips, then reset. If you are not comfortable doing this, ask the person handing over.
• Smoke alarms (and CO alarms where required) present and working
  Press each test button. Note any missing or painted-over alarm.
• Meter readings photographed (electricity, water, gas)
  Take a clear photo showing the numbers. This sets who pays for what from today.
• Keys, fobs and remotes counted and tested
  Write the number of each in the note, e.g. "3 keys, 2 fobs, 1 garage remote".
• Heating / air-conditioning works
  Switch each unit on for a few minutes. For new homes, check the pipe holes, drains and sockets are in the right places.
• All lights and switches work
  Switch each one on and off.
• Cleanliness photographed room by room
  Cleaning is the most common deposit dispute in the UK's TDS data — wide photos of floors, ovens, bathrooms and windows help.
• No signs of pests, damp or mould
  Look behind furniture, under sinks and in window corners.
• Furniture and furnishings listed with their condition
  Use the custom item box below to add each piece, e.g. "Sofa — small tear on left arm".

Parking, storage & mailbox

• Parking space number and location match the contract or lease
  Compare with the plan or lease.
• No leaks or standing water around the space
  Look at the ceiling and walls nearby.
• Mailbox and storage unit are accessible with your keys
  Try each key.

Paperwork & handover

• Lease signed; names, address and dates are correct
  Keep your own copy, digital or paper.
• You know where your deposit is held and how disputes are handled
  Rules differ by country. Example: in England and Wales the landlord must protect the deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days.
• Landlord's inventory compared with what you found
  If their inventory misses damage you found, add it to this report.
• Report sent to the landlord or agent in writing, with proof of sending
  Email works well because it carries a date. Attach the PDF and your photos.
• Backup or printed copy saved
  Use Export backup on the report page, or print to PDF.

General checkpoints only — not a legal standard, a professional inspection or legal advice.

Open the interactive checklist

No sign-up. Your notes stay on your device. Make the report in English or Chinese.

Download the printable PDF (A4, English + Chinese)

Why it matters

Questions

Other checklists

• Move-out inspection checklist
• New home handover checklist (snagging list)