Move-In Inspection Photo Checklist
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A room-by-room checklist for landlords and property managers that makes sure every surface, fixture, and appliance is photographed, rated, and signed off before the tenant moves a single box in.

[ ] Confirm make-ready work is finished and the unit is completely empty before scheduling the walkthrough
[ ] Offer the tenant a joint walkthrough in writing and record the date, start time, and everyone who attended
[ ] Bring the blank room-by-room report, the unit and lease reference, and a charged phone with free storage
[ ] Turn on every light, open all blinds, and run faucets and appliances so conditions are consistent in every photo
[ ] Take a wide establishing shot from the doorway of every room, hallway, and closet before any close-ups
[ ] Photograph each wall, the ceiling, and the floor of every room as separate shots
[ ] Photograph every door, frame, lock, and piece of hardware, and confirm each door closes and latches
[ ] Photograph every window, screen, lock, and blind or covering from inside, and test that windows open and lock
[ ] Photograph light fixtures, switches, outlets, thermostat, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test each one
[ ] Rate every item new, good, fair, or poor using the definitions printed on the report, never a blank or a question mark
[ ] Write a location-specific note for anything not in good order: what it is, where it is, and how large it is
[ ] Place a coin or tape measure in detail shots of any chip, scratch, stain, or hole whose size could be disputed later
[ ] Photograph inside the oven, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, and microwave, and note whether each one runs
[ ] Open and photograph every cabinet and drawer, and check under each sink for staining, soft wood, or active leaks
[ ] Photograph tub, shower, tile, grout, caulk, toilet, vanity, and exhaust fan, and run the fan and the shower briefly
[ ] Photograph carpet in every room with extra attention to traffic paths, seams, stains, and edges near doorways
[ ] Photograph hard flooring for scratches, gouges, loose boards, cracked tiles, and gaps at transitions
[ ] Photograph the entry, balcony or patio, storage area, garage or assigned parking, and mailbox
[ ] Photograph each utility meter with the reading clearly legible and note the date next to it on the report
[ ] Count and photograph every key, fob, remote, and parking pass handed over, and write the counts on the report
[ ] Review each noted issue with the tenant on the spot and invite them to add their own observations in writing
[ ] Have both parties sign and date the report, then give the tenant a copy with the photos or a link within the window your state requires
[ ] Store the original report and untouched photo files in two separate places, tagged by unit and inspection date
[ ] Turn anything rated poor into a work order so it is fixed promptly and cannot be confused with tenant damage later