Rental inventory checklist
Track the small stuff before it becomes a stupidly expensive mystery.
Use this starter checklist to record keys, appliances, fixtures, supplies, photos, and tenant handoff details before move-in. The goal is simple: fewer missing-item arguments later.
- Built for small landlords who need a repeatable move-in inventory record.
- Useful for furnished rentals, garages, sheds, appliances, remotes, keys, and unit supplies.
- Focused on documentation and handoff, not legal forms or lease language.
Free starter checklist
Inventory the items tenants forget they received.
- List every key, fob, mailbox key, garage remote, parking pass, gate code, and lock code issued.
- Photograph appliances with model numbers, visible condition, racks, trays, filters, cords, and missing parts.
- Record smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, leak sensors, thermostats, and included batteries.
- Note window screens, blinds, curtain rods, closet shelves, towel bars, shower heads, and door hardware.
- Document supplied items such as trash bins, recycling bins, HVAC filters, drain stoppers, manuals, and welcome sheets.
- Check exterior items: hose bibs, sheds, gates, garage doors, outdoor lights, mailbox condition, and yard tools if provided.
- Save wide room photos plus close-ups of anything expensive, fragile, already worn, or likely to go missing.
- Have the tenant confirm receipt of keys, remotes, codes, and included items in writing.
- Keep the inventory in the same folder as move-in photos, maintenance records, and the signed condition report.
- Repeat the same inventory at move-out before replacing, repairing, cleaning, or tossing anything.
Why the bundle helps
Inventory is only useful if it connects to the rest of the handoff.
A loose inventory note is easy to lose. The bundle keeps inventory-adjacent work tied to move-in, maintenance, turnover, and move-out so the record follows the actual tenant lifecycle.
Plain-English caveat
This is not legal or financial advice. Laws vary by location. Use this as an operational checklist, then follow your lease, local inspection rules, deposit deadlines, and professional advice where needed.