Inspect the house when the tenant moves out.
Last updated: 3 Aug 2025
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A common headache for many when it comes to renting a home is finding tenants and moving out. Most landlords don't know where to begin their inspections. Some surveys aren't thorough enough, resulting in later discovering areas that need repairs. They can't retroactively fine the tenant, and they end up paying for the repairs themselves, regretting it later. Here's a checklist to follow before returning the security deposit:
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Why create a checklist for pre-rental inspections?
Many landlords often miss the deadline for inspections when tenants move out, resulting in repair costs. Creating a checklist for inspections makes it easier to prioritize inspections, ensuring that no important inspections are missed. It's also fair for both parties, as it's documented in writing.
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What is a home inspection checklist?
This checklist is a list of items to check for completeness and damages before a tenant moves out. This helps the landlord prioritize inspections. It should be included with the rental agreement to ensure a clear understanding of what inspections the landlord will inspect upon move-out. Any irregularities can be deducted from the security deposit, as agreed upon. Each landlord can design a different checklist. Depending on which issues you consider important, here's a sample checklist:
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1. Call 3-5 days in advance to allow the owner to inspect the house and return the deposit.
2. Clean and return the house to the tenant in the same condition as when the house was first transferred (including painting the house to the same color as when the house was moved in).
3. The walls, floors, and ceilings must be free of scratches or graffiti.
4. Remove all personal belongings from the house. Leave nothing for the owner to remove.
5. No trash or waste must be left in the house.
6. If there is an outdoor area, it must be clean, neat, and organized in the same condition as before.
7. If there are trees outside the house, they must be maintained and neatly decorated.
8. Any appliances provided by the owner, such as kitchen appliances and electrical appliances, must be in the same condition, undamaged, and still usable. (The owner must test all appliances provided.) Return all items in their original condition, without any damage or loss.
9. Doors and windows must be in working condition, able to be opened and closed properly, and not damaged.
10. Electrical appliances and wiring must be in working condition. All lights must be turned on and off properly. and no light bulbs have been removed.
11. Faucets and plumbing systems are in working order, with no leaks, and are in the same condition as when first moved in.
12. Kitchen: Functional, with kitchen counters and cabinets in a clean and tidy condition.
13. Bathroom: Sanitary fixtures are in working order and not damaged.
14. Any other equipment installed by the owner other than those listed must be in working order and have not been removed, such as water pumps, emergency lights, smoke detectors, etc.
15. Return all keys (and door remotes, if applicable) in their original condition.
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This is just a basic checklist that homeowners should have. However, any fines or deductions from the security deposit will depend on the condition of the home. Furthermore, homeowners must consider the appropriateness of deductions from the security deposit, as property damage is caused by wear and tear over time or long-term use, not by the tenant. Therefore, whenever this occurs, tenants must notify the homeowner of any damage to property or equipment within the home, such as a leaky roof, broken electrical wiring, or termite infestation, so that the homeowner can address the issue immediately and not wait until the day the home must be returned. This means that "The tenant is negligent, indifferent, and neglects to maintain the house."
__________________________________________
Thank you for the great information from REIC.
__________________________________________
Why create a checklist for pre-rental inspections?
Many landlords often miss the deadline for inspections when tenants move out, resulting in repair costs. Creating a checklist for inspections makes it easier to prioritize inspections, ensuring that no important inspections are missed. It's also fair for both parties, as it's documented in writing.
__________________________________________
What is a home inspection checklist?
This checklist is a list of items to check for completeness and damages before a tenant moves out. This helps the landlord prioritize inspections. It should be included with the rental agreement to ensure a clear understanding of what inspections the landlord will inspect upon move-out. Any irregularities can be deducted from the security deposit, as agreed upon. Each landlord can design a different checklist. Depending on which issues you consider important, here's a sample checklist:
__________________________________________
1. Call 3-5 days in advance to allow the owner to inspect the house and return the deposit.
2. Clean and return the house to the tenant in the same condition as when the house was first transferred (including painting the house to the same color as when the house was moved in).
3. The walls, floors, and ceilings must be free of scratches or graffiti.
4. Remove all personal belongings from the house. Leave nothing for the owner to remove.
5. No trash or waste must be left in the house.
6. If there is an outdoor area, it must be clean, neat, and organized in the same condition as before.
7. If there are trees outside the house, they must be maintained and neatly decorated.
8. Any appliances provided by the owner, such as kitchen appliances and electrical appliances, must be in the same condition, undamaged, and still usable. (The owner must test all appliances provided.) Return all items in their original condition, without any damage or loss.
9. Doors and windows must be in working condition, able to be opened and closed properly, and not damaged.
10. Electrical appliances and wiring must be in working condition. All lights must be turned on and off properly. and no light bulbs have been removed.
11. Faucets and plumbing systems are in working order, with no leaks, and are in the same condition as when first moved in.
12. Kitchen: Functional, with kitchen counters and cabinets in a clean and tidy condition.
13. Bathroom: Sanitary fixtures are in working order and not damaged.
14. Any other equipment installed by the owner other than those listed must be in working order and have not been removed, such as water pumps, emergency lights, smoke detectors, etc.
15. Return all keys (and door remotes, if applicable) in their original condition.
__________________________________________
This is just a basic checklist that homeowners should have. However, any fines or deductions from the security deposit will depend on the condition of the home. Furthermore, homeowners must consider the appropriateness of deductions from the security deposit, as property damage is caused by wear and tear over time or long-term use, not by the tenant. Therefore, whenever this occurs, tenants must notify the homeowner of any damage to property or equipment within the home, such as a leaky roof, broken electrical wiring, or termite infestation, so that the homeowner can address the issue immediately and not wait until the day the home must be returned. This means that "The tenant is negligent, indifferent, and neglects to maintain the house."
__________________________________________
Thank you for the great information from REIC.
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