Move-In / Move-Out Checklist
Protect Your Security Deposit.
A thorough move-in inspection is the single most important thing you can do to protect your deposit. Use this checklist at move-in and again at move-out.
Complete this checklist on move-in day
Document any existing damage before you move your belongings in. Take photos with your phone and email them to your property manager within 24 hours of move-in. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage at move-out.
Entire Unit — General
- Walls: note any scuffs, holes, or paint damage
- Ceilings: check for water stains, cracks, or damage
- Floors: note scratches, stains, or damaged areas
- Windows: confirm all open/close/lock properly; note any cracks
- Window screens: confirm present and undamaged
- Doors: confirm all open/close/lock properly
- Door hardware: confirm all handles, locks, and hinges functional
- Light fixtures: confirm all lights work
- Outlets and switches: test all outlets and switches
- Smoke detectors: confirm present and functional (test button)
- Carbon monoxide detectors: confirm present and functional
- HVAC: confirm heat and A/C work; note condition of filter
- Thermostat: confirm functional
Kitchen
- Refrigerator: confirm all compartments cool; check door seals
- Stove/oven: confirm all burners and oven work
- Microwave (if provided): confirm functional
- Dishwasher (if provided): run a cycle to confirm functional
- Sink: confirm hot and cold water; check for leaks under sink
- Garbage disposal (if provided): confirm functional
- Cabinets and drawers: note any damage to doors, hinges, or hardware
- Countertops: note any chips, cracks, or stains
Bathroom(s)
- Toilet: confirm flushes properly; check for running water
- Sink: confirm hot and cold water; check for leaks
- Shower/tub: confirm hot and cold water; check for leaks
- Shower curtain rod (if provided): confirm secure
- Exhaust fan: confirm functional
- Tile and grout: note any cracks, missing grout, or mold
- Caulking: note any missing or damaged caulk around tub/shower
- Towel bars and toilet paper holder: confirm secure
Bedrooms
- Closet doors: confirm open/close properly
- Closet rods and shelving: confirm secure
- Windows: confirm open/close/lock; note any damage
- Ceiling fan (if provided): confirm all speeds work
Laundry (if in-unit)
- Washer: run a cycle to confirm functional
- Dryer: run a cycle to confirm functional
- Dryer vent: confirm connected and not blocked
- Water connections: check for leaks
Exterior / Common Areas (if applicable)
- Parking space: confirm assigned space is clear and accessible
- Storage unit (if provided): confirm accessible and note condition
- Mailbox: confirm key provided and functional
- Building entry: confirm key/fob/code works
- Garage (if applicable): confirm opener and manual entry work
After completing this checklist:
- 1.Take photos of any damage you noted, with timestamps.
- 2.Email the completed checklist and photos to your property manager within 24 hours.
- 3.Keep a copy for your records throughout your tenancy.
Get Started
Questions About Your Move-In or Move-Out?
Contact your Altus property manager directly — we're here to make the process smooth.
Or call: (312) 847-4414