The Importance of a Rental Inspection Checklist

Both landlords and tenants can benefit from using a rental inspection checklist. For the landlord, a checklist can document the property before the new tenant takes over and when they move out. A checklist ensures that the tenant is not charged for preexisting property damage.

A checklist can help avoid some landlord-tenant problems later on. Talk to a lawyer about your legal rights if you still have a landlord-tenant dispute after a rental property inspection. Contact a local landlord-tenant lawyer experienced with rental agreements for legal advice about your situation. 

What Is a Rental Inspection Checklist?

A rental inspection checklist is a list of things to check when inspecting or walking through a property. Most property owners inspect before and after a renter moves. For long-term renters, property management may also conduct an annual inspection.

Tenants can also use their inspection checklist to have a copy of their walkthrough. This can prevent a landlord from trying to charge for property damage that existed before moving in.

When tenants move into a new property, they must provide a security deposit. The security deposit covers any damages caused by the tenants beyond normal wear and tear. A rental property inspection checklist can identify any damage to the property and use the tenant’s security deposit to pay for repairs.

Some cities require residential rental properties to get regular inspections. The municipality may provide property owners with a checklist to ensure their property will pass a city inspection. City inspections generally check for basic requirements, including that the property is safe, secure, and habitable.

What Should You Include in a Rental Inspection Checklist?

The landlord generally uses a template to make sure to review all areas and conditions of the property. An inspection is a way to make sure you address all the essential functions and features of a property. This includes checking:

• Condition of wall, flooring, windows, doors, and locks
• Appliances are in good working order
• Areas in need of repair
• Electrical and lighting fixtures
• Pet-related damage
• Safety requirements, including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors

When doing a move-in inspection, remember to check amenities you may not use immediately. For example, check the HVAC system in the summer before you need it in the winter.

When Should I Use a Rental Inspection Checklist?

If you are a property owner, you should use a checklist for the move-in and move-out inspections. Any changes between the move-in and move-out checklist can show any damage during the current tenancy.

Anytime the landlord wants to do a rental inspection, they must provide notice to the tenant that they plan to enter the property. The tenant can be there during a landlord inspection to address any signs of damage and keep a good landlord-tenant relationship.

As the tenant, you should also use a checklist before moving in and out. Having a copy of the property’s condition before you move in can help you avoid potential issues for damage that were there before you moved in.

What Happens if I Find Damage During the Inspection?

If you do a walkthrough and find a problem before moving in, bring it up with the landlord. Make sure it will be fixed in a reasonable amount of time. You can also make any necessary repairs to the lease agreement. You may also want to check outside the property for signs of damage. For example, broken gutters may cause water damage, and broken window locks can be a security risk.

How Do I Take Photos and Document the Inspection?

A checklist is an excellent place to start with an inspection. However, photos and videos can tell a more detailed story. If you end up in court for a landlord-tenant law dispute, having video or photo evidence can go a long way to proving your case. Ensure your photos are date-stamped to establish when you took them.

What if My Landlord Doesn’t Provide a Checklist?

If your landlord does not provide a checklist, you should do your walkthrough inspection. Do a full inspection before you move in to document the property’s condition.

Send a copy of the checklist to the property management company and address any maintenance issues you need to be covered before you move in. You can also ask the landlord to sign the checklist to show they knew the condition before you took over the rental unit.

How Can a Lawyer Help With a Rental Inspection?

A proper rental inspection checklist can help avoid many of the problems that come up after renters move out. A landlord-tenant attorney can review the housing code and rental laws where you live to help you understand your rights.

Your attorney can advise you on what you should do during an inspection and what should be on your checklist. If there is a dispute about who is responsible for property damage and property maintenance, talk to an attorney who understands the local landlord-tenant laws. For legal advice about your rights and responsibilities, contact a lawyer with experience with rental agreements.