A move-in checklist for tenants and landlords is one of the most important documents in the property rental business.
It takes the guesswork out of who is liable for costs arising from damage to the rental property once the current lease expires.
What is a move-in checklist?
Also known as an entry-condition document, the move-in checklist benefits tenants and landlords.
Benefits for the tenant
It provides written and photographic evidence of the condition and cleanliness of a rental property and its contents, prior to a new tenant moving in.
It allows the tenant to identify and document issues in the house or apartment that need to be repaired.
By documenting the property’s condition, the check-list safeguards the tenant’s security deposit. It also prevents disputes from arising at the end of the tenancy.
Benefits for the landlord
From a landlord’s perspective, a move-in checklist describes pre-existing problems that the new tenant is not responsible for.
It allows the landlord to gauge the extent of damage caused by the tenant at the end of the lease.
That way, the checklist eliminates disputes when all, or part of, the refundable deposit is withheld to pay for repairs.
What to include in a move-in checklist
A move-in checklist always includes the rental property’s address, date of occupancy and the tenant and landlord’s names. Every room in the house is listed along with the entire contents and condition of the room.
The checklist should include tick boxes that can be marked Clean, Functional and Undamaged. There should be space for comments and photographs to be added by the tenant or rental agent for each section and subsection.
Once the document has been completed and reviewed by the landlord, it’s signed by both parties.
A basic outline of a move-in checklist
Here’s a brief outline of what’s typically included in a move-in checklist.
Living room:
- windows, window coverings
- doors, lock, keys
- ceiling fan
- air conditioner
- fireplace
- light fixtures, switches
- electrical outlets and covers
- walls, paint, pelmets
- flooring
- ceiling
- cupboards
- furniture.
Dining area:
- windows, window coverings
- doors, locks, keys
- ceiling fan
- air conditioner
- fireplace
- light fixtures, switches
- electrical outlets and covers
- walls, paint, pelmets
- flooring
- ceiling
- cupboards
- furniture.
Kitchen:
- fridge
- oven, hob
- extractor fan
- dishwasher
- microwave
- cabinets, cupboards, counter tops
- sink, taps
- windows, window coverings
- doors, locks, keys
- light fixtures, switches
- plumbing
- electrical points and covers
- flooring
- ceiling.
Bathroom:
- vanity cabinets
- towel racks
- basin, fixtures and fittings
- shower, bath
- toilet
- plumbing
- mirrors
- tile, grout
- extractor fan
- windows, window coverings
- doors, locks, keys
- light fixtures, switches
- plumbing
- electrical points and covers
- flooring
- ceiling.
Bedroom:
- windows, window coverings
- doors, lock, keys
- ceiling fan
- air conditioner
- fireplace
- light fixtures, switches
- electrical outlets and covers
- walls, paint, pelmets
- flooring
- ceiling
- cupboards
- furniture.
General:
- Wi-Fi
- DSTV
- security system
- ceiling fan
- air conditioner
- stairs, handrails
- balcony.
Exterior:
- garage, driveway
- balcony, deck
- doorbell
- post box
- garden
- security lighting
- swimming pool
- tool shed
- electric fence
- automated gate
- outdoor furniture.
Where to get a move-in checklist
The quickest and easiest way to get a move-in checklist template is online. Sites like TemplateLAB, Wordlayouts and freeforms offer free customisable downloads.
Why recruit the services of professional household cleaners
The cleanliness of a rental property is as important as its overall condition. It ensures the landlord gets consistent rental income, and the tenant gets the bulk of his or her deposit back.
Chelsea Cleaning offers professional domestic cleaning services covering all areas of the home, from carpets and curtains to mattresses and upholstery.
