What should a move-out inspection checklist include for a typical rental apartment?

Walls, floors, and ceilings

Start with the surfaces. Check walls for holes, scuffs, and unapproved paint, floors for stains and damage, and ceilings for water marks.

Compare each against your move-in photos. The goal is to separate new damage from the condition you documented at the start.

Kitchen and bathrooms

These rooms take the most wear. Inspect appliances, cabinets, counters, sinks, and grout, and confirm everything is clean and functional.

Look for water damage in particular. Leaks under sinks and around tubs can cause hidden problems that are worth catching before the next tenant.

Fixtures, doors, and windows

Test light fixtures, switches, and outlets, and check that doors and windows open, close, and lock. Confirm screens and blinds are intact.

Do not forget safety devices. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be present and working before the unit turns over.

Keys, cleanliness, and photos

Collect all keys, remotes, and fobs, and note anything missing. Assess overall cleanliness against the standard set at move-in.

Finally, photograph everything using the same room-by-room order as your move-in inspection so your before and after sets line up cleanly.