Professional move-in and move-out rental inspection cost in Texas (2026)
A typical Texas range, the local factors behind it, and the tools to price your own project.
Reviewed for 2026, updated September 8, 2026.
What drives the cost in Texas
Texas inspection pricing is close to the national typical range overall, with Austin, Dallas, and Houston near or above average and rural areas cheaper. Heat, humidity along the Gulf, hurricanes, and hail across much of the state create wear that should be logged after storms so it is not charged to tenants. State deposit law does not cap the amount but generally requires an itemized statement within a set window once the tenant provides a forwarding address, with penalties for bad faith retention, and there is no statewide rental licensing, though some cities register rentals.
Tips for Texas buyers
- Get the forwarding address in writing at move-out; the return clock depends on it.
- Photograph AC systems, filters, and exterior surfaces after storm season.
- Check city rental registration rules in Austin, Dallas, and other larger cities.
Ranges are hedged planning estimates derived from a national typical range and a local index, not quotes. Typical price for a third-party move-in or move-out condition inspection with photos on a standard apartment or small house, per visit. It varies widely with unit size, travel distance, report depth, and whether a written report and photo log are included, and it does not include make-ready repairs or cleaning.
Price your project
- Security Deposit Deduction Calculator: Estimates a fair, depreciated deduction for tenant-caused damage and the refund owed, for landlords and property managers closing out a security deposit.
- Unit Turnover Vacancy Cost Calculator: Estimates what each vacant day costs across your rentals and how much rent you recover by shortening the gap between move-out and move-in.
- Move-In Inspection Workload Planner: Estimates how many inspections, staff hours, and labor dollars your move-in and move-out walkthroughs take each year, sized to your portfolio.