Landlord inspection checklist
A cleaner inspection process before the condition notes get fuzzy.
Use this starter checklist before move-in, during routine walk-throughs, and after move-out so photos, repairs, keys, utilities, and tenant follow-up stay in one repeatable process.
- Built for small landlords who inspect the same unit more than once.
- Useful for move-in, maintenance, turnover, and move-out documentation.
- Operational checklist language, not legal paperwork cosplay.
Free starter checklist
Run this when you need inspection notes that will still make sense later.
- Photograph every room from consistent angles before cleaning, repair work, or tenant handoff begins.
- Test locks, windows, lights, outlets, appliances, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and exhaust fans.
- Check sinks, toilets, tubs, ceilings, water heater areas, basements, and visible supply lines for leaks.
- Record wall, floor, cabinet, countertop, door, blind, fixture, and appliance condition while the unit is easy to see.
- Confirm keys, mailbox access, remotes, fobs, garage controls, gate codes, and door codes before possession changes.
- Note safety issues, trip hazards, missing covers, loose rails, exterior lighting problems, and pest signs.
- Separate normal wear, tenant damage, vendor work, owner upgrades, and deferred maintenance in your notes.
- Write down repair decisions while the evidence is fresh, then save photos, receipts, and messages together.
- Send any tenant follow-up in writing instead of relying on a quick conversation at the door.
- Keep the finished checklist with the lease file, move-in report, move-out photos, and deposit records.
Why the bundle helps
The free list gives you the habit. The bundle gives you the tenant-cycle paper trail.
Use the printable set when you want one consistent process across routine inspections, pre-listing turnover, key handoff, and move-out condition checks.
Plain-English caveat
This is an operational inspection checklist, not legal advice. Use the notices, forms, timelines, licensed help, and deposit rules required for your state, lease, and property.