Key takeaways

• A move-in walk-through is your opportunity to document every existing flaw in a rental before you take possession. Anything you do not record could be attributed to you when you move out. 
• Photograph and write down all damage, no matter how minor, and make sure both you and your landlord sign and date the completed checklist before you move in. 
• Keeping your walk-through records in a safe place protects your security deposit months or years later when it is time to move out and the landlord assesses the condition of the unit. 

Before you sign the lease or pick up the keys, there is one step that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars down the road: the move-in walk-through.

A walk-through is a room-by-room inspection of the rental unit, conducted before you officially take possession. The goal is to document every scratch, dent, stain, crack and defect that already exists so you are not held responsible for it when you move out. Landlords use the condition of the unit at move-out to determine whether to return your security deposit in full, return a portion or keep it entirely. Without documentation from move-in day, you have no way to prove that the damage was already there.

This is not a formality. It is one of the most important things you can do as a renter.

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Your security deposit is typically equal to one or two months' rent, depending on your state and your lease terms. When you move out, your landlord will inspect the unit and compare its condition to how it looked when you moved in. If there is damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord can deduct the cost of repairs from your deposit.

The problem is that without a signed, dated record of the unit's condition at move-in, disputes often come down to your word against the landlord's. A walk-through checklist with photographs eliminates that ambiguity. It creates a shared record that both parties have agreed to, and it gives you evidence to challenge any deductions you believe are unfair.

Some states require landlords to provide a written checklist or conduct a walk-through with the tenant before move-in. Even in states where it is not legally required, doing one protects you.

You do not need specialized equipment, but a few items will make the process faster and more thorough:

• Your phone: Use it to take photos and videos of every room, including close-ups of any damage you find. Make sure your phone's date and time stamp settings are accurate. 
• A notebook or printed checklist: Write down every issue you find, room by room. If your landlord provides a checklist, use that. If not, bring your own. 
• A phone charger: You can use it to test electrical outlets throughout the unit. 
• A flashlight: Useful for looking under sinks, inside closets and behind appliances where lighting may be limited. 

The best time to inspect the unit is when it is completely empty. Furniture, boxes and personal belongings can cover damage on floors, walls and baseboards. If possible, schedule the walk-through after the previous tenant has moved out and any cleaning or repairs have been completed, but before you bring anything into the space.

Having the landlord or property manager walk through the unit with you means you can point out issues in real time and agree on the condition of each room together. If the landlord cannot attend, conduct the walk-through on your own, document everything thoroughly and send them copies of your checklist and photos immediately afterward. Keep copies for yourself in a safe place.

The kitchen contains more working components than most other rooms in a rental. Appliances, plumbing, cabinetry and ventilation all need to be checked.

Test every appliance to make sure it turns on, heats properly and runs without unusual noises. This includes:

• Range or stove: Turn on each burner and the oven. Check that the temperature settings work and that the oven door closes and seals properly. 
• Refrigerator: Confirm that both the refrigerator and freezer are cooling. Open the door and check for odors, cracks in the shelving or broken drawers. Look at the door seals to make sure they are intact. 
• Dishwasher: Run a short cycle. Listen for unusual sounds and check for leaks around the base during and after the cycle. 
• Garbage disposal: Turn it on and run water through it. Listen for grinding or jamming. 
• Microwave (if included): Test the timer, the light and the turntable. 

If any appliance is dirty, note it on the checklist. You do not want to be charged for cleaning at move-out for grime that was already there when you arrived.

Turn on the faucet and check for drips, low water pressure or discolored water. Run both hot and cold water. Open the cabinet beneath the sink and look for signs of moisture, water stains, mold or mildew. Check that the pipes are not corroded or leaking.

Open and close every cabinet door and drawer. Look for chips, scratches, missing hardware, warped shelves or doors that do not align properly. Make sure that drawers slide smoothly and that cabinet doors close completely.

Test the range hood light and exhaust fan. If the kitchen does not have a range hood, note whether there is another form of ventilation, such as a window that opens. Poor kitchen ventilation can lead to moisture buildup and cooking odors that linger throughout the unit.

Bathrooms are one of the most common areas for water damage, mold and plumbing issues. Take your time here.

Look at the floor, walls and shower or tub surround for cracked, chipped or missing tiles. Check the grout lines for gaps, discoloration or mildew. Missing or deteriorated grout can allow water to seep behind the tiles and into the wall, which can lead to mold growth and structural damage over time.

Turn on the faucet and check for drips. Run the water for a minute and watch how quickly it drains. Slow drainage can indicate a partial clog or a plumbing issue. Open the cabinet under the sink and check for moisture, leaks or mold, just as you would in the kitchen.

Flush the toilet and make sure it fills and stops running within a reasonable time. Look around the base of the toilet for water stains or soft flooring, which can indicate a slow leak.

Check the bathtub or shower for cracks, chips or staining. Run the shower and check the water pressure. Look around the edges of the tub and along the shower walls for gaps in the caulking.

Look at the visible pipes under the sink, around the toilet and along the tub or shower. Check for drips, corrosion, water stains or mineral buildup. These can indicate ongoing leaks that may worsen after you move in.

Make sure the bathroom has either a window that opens or an exhaust fan that works. Turn on the exhaust fan and confirm that it pulls air. Poor bathroom ventilation can lead to persistent moisture, peeling paint and mold growth.

Check that all lights turn on. Test the outlets, and confirm that outlets near the sink or tub are GFCI-protected. GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. These outlets have small "test" and "reset" buttons on the face and are designed to cut power immediately if they detect a ground fault, which reduces the risk of electrical shock in wet areas. Press the "test" button to confirm the outlet trips, then press "reset" to restore power.

Beyond the kitchen and bathroom, every room in the rental should be checked for damage to floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors and built-in features.

• Carpet: Look for stains, worn spots, burns, tears or areas where the carpet is pulling away from the edges. Get close to the floor and check in corners and along walls where damage is easy to miss. 
• Hardwood or laminate: Look for dents, scratches, warping, buckling or discoloration. Pay attention to areas near windows and exterior doors, where water exposure is more likely. 
• Tile: Check for cracked, chipped or loose tiles, and look at the grout between them for gaps or discoloration. 

Look at every wall and ceiling surface for chipped or peeling paint, cracks, nail holes, scuff marks, dents and water stains. Water stains on the ceiling can indicate a leak from the roof or from a unit above. If you see any signs of water damage, note it on the checklist and ask the landlord whether the source has been identified and repaired.

Open and close every window to make sure it operates smoothly. Check the glass for cracks and the screens for rips or holes. Look at the window locks and confirm they engage properly. Inspect the sills and frames for water damage, peeling paint or soft spots.

Open and close every interior and exterior door. Check that they latch properly and that the hinges are secure. Look at the door frames for dents, scratches or gouges. Test the deadbolt and knob lock on every exterior door to make sure they lock and unlock without difficulty.

Open every closet and check the rods, shelves and hooks. Make sure rods are secure and not bent or bowed. Look at the floor and walls inside the closet for stains, damage or signs of moisture. Closets against exterior walls can sometimes develop mold if there is poor insulation or ventilation.

Test every electrical outlet in the unit. A phone charger is a simple way to check whether an outlet has power. Flip every light switch to confirm it controls the correct fixture. Note any outlets that are cracked, loose or not functioning.

Turn on the heating system and the air conditioning, even if it is not the season you would normally use them. Confirm that the system responds to the thermostat, that air comes out of the vents and that the temperature adjusts. If the unit has window air conditioning units, check that they turn on and that the filters are clean.

If you are renting a single-family house, townhouse or ground-floor unit with an outdoor space, the exterior is part of the rental and should be inspected the same way.

• Siding and trim: Look for chips, cracks, peeling paint or damaged panels. 
• Steps, stairs and railings: Test the stability of handrails. Look for cracked or uneven steps, loose boards and missing fasteners. 
• Fencing: Walk the perimeter and check for leaning sections, broken boards, missing hardware or gaps. 
• Porches, decks and patios: Look for rotted or warped boards, loose railings and uneven surfaces. 
• Driveways and walkways: Note any cracks, heaving or settlement. 
• Landscaping: If you are responsible for yard maintenance under the lease, document the current condition of the lawn, beds, trees and irrigation, if any. 
• Exterior lights: Test porch lights, pathway lights and any motion-sensor lights. 
• Gutters and downspouts: If visible from ground level, check for sagging, clogs or disconnected sections. 

Pest issues are not always visible during a quick tour, but a move-in walk-through is the right time to look more carefully. If you find signs of an infestation after you move in without having documented them first, it can be difficult to prove the problem existed before you took possession. That distinction matters because it can determine who is responsible for treatment costs under your lease.

Move slowly through each room and pay attention to the edges, corners and hidden spots where pests are most likely to leave evidence.

• Droppings: Small dark pellets along baseboards, in cabinet corners, on closet shelves or behind appliances can indicate mice or rats. Smaller specks that look like ground pepper, particularly in kitchen drawers or on countertops, may indicate cockroaches. 
• Grease marks or rub marks: Rodents tend to follow the same paths along walls. Dark smudges or greasy streaks along baseboards or near gaps in the wall can indicate repeated rodent traffic. 
• Shed wings or body parts: Small translucent wings near windowsills or light fixtures can be a sign of termites or flying ants. Dead insects in window tracks, light covers or along baseboards can indicate an ongoing pest presence. 
• Gnaw marks: Look at baseboards, door frames, cabinet edges and any exposed wiring for small bite marks or shavings. Rodents gnaw on wood, plastic and even electrical wiring. 
• Nests or nesting material: Shredded paper, fabric, insulation or plant material tucked into corners, behind appliances or inside cabinets can indicate a rodent nest. 
• Odd odors: A musty or oily smell in enclosed spaces like cabinets, closets or pantries can be associated with cockroach infestations. A strong ammonia-like smell may indicate rodent urine. 

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The kitchen is the most common area for pest activity because of the proximity to food and water. Pull out the refrigerator and stove if possible, or at least look behind and beneath them with a flashlight. Check inside every cabinet and drawer, including the back corners and the undersides of shelves. Look at the gaps where pipes enter the wall under the sink. Even small openings can serve as entry points for insects and rodents.

Open the pantry, if there is one, and check the shelves, walls and floor for droppings, webbing or larvae. Pantry moths and grain beetles leave behind fine webbing or small casings in corners and along shelf edges.

Check under the sink, behind the toilet and around the base of the tub or shower. Cockroaches, silverfish and other moisture-loving insects are drawn to bathrooms. Look for live or dead insects, droppings and egg casings. Small brown or tan capsule-shaped casings glued to surfaces near pipes or in cabinet hinges can indicate cockroach eggs.

Open every closet, especially those against exterior walls or in areas that are not frequently used. Look at the floor, corners and shelves for droppings, insect damage or signs of nesting. If the unit has a storage room, basement access or utility closet, inspect those as well.

Look at the seals around windows and exterior doors for gaps, cracks or daylight. Check the weather stripping and thresholds. These are common entry points for ants, spiders, cockroaches and rodents. If you see gaps large enough to fit a pencil, a mouse can fit through them.

Look for small holes in drywall, particularly near pipes, vents or electrical outlets. Mud tubes running along the foundation, exterior walls or basement surfaces are a sign of subterranean termites. If the unit has exposed wood framing or beams in a basement or garage, check for soft spots, hollow-sounding wood or fine sawdust-like material, which can indicate termite or carpenter ant activity.

If you are renting a house or ground-floor unit, walk the perimeter and look for:

• Ant trails along the foundation or near doorways 
• Wasp or hornet nests under eaves, porch ceilings or in shrubs 
• Gaps or holes in the foundation, siding, soffit or around utility lines entering the building 
• Woodpecker damage or soft wood on trim, fascia or siding, which can indicate an insect problem inside the wood 
• Standing water in gutters, flower pots or low spots near the foundation, which attracts mosquitoes and other pests 

Document everything with photos and written notes, just as you would with any other damage. Note the location, the type of evidence you found and the date.

If the signs are minor, such as a few dead insects near a window, note them on your checklist and move on. If the evidence suggests an active infestation, such as droppings in multiple rooms, live cockroaches, rodent nests or signs of termites, raise the issue with the landlord before you move in. Ask what treatment will be provided, who will pay for it and when it will be completed. Get the answers in writing.

In most states, landlords are responsible for ensuring that a rental unit is habitable at the time of move-in, and a pest infestation can violate that standard. If the landlord is unwilling to address a serious pest issue before you take possession, you may want to reconsider the lease or consult a local tenant rights organization for guidance.

By the end of the walk-through, you may have a list of several issues or just a few. Either way, both you and your landlord should sign and date the completed checklist. This creates a mutual record of the unit's condition at the time you took possession. If there is a dispute about your security deposit later, this signed document is your primary evidence.

If you find something serious during the walk-through, such as mold, a plumbing leak, a broken appliance or a security concern like a non-functioning lock, address it with the landlord before you move in. Get any repair commitments in writing, including what will be fixed, who will pay for it and when the work will be completed. Do not assume that a verbal agreement will be honored months later.

If the landlord did not accompany you on the walk-through, send them copies of your completed checklist and all photos as soon as possible. Email is a good option because it creates a timestamped record. Keep your own copies of everything.

Keep your signed checklist, photographs and any related correspondence in a place where you can find them easily. You may live in the rental for one year or several, but at some point you will move out. When that time comes, your walk-through records serve two purposes: They prove that you did not cause the pre-existing damage, and they remind you of how the unit looked when you moved in so you can return it in the same condition.

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When you move out, your landlord can only deduct from your security deposit for damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear. Understanding the difference can help you know what to expect.

Normal wear and tear includes the kind of gradual deterioration that happens with everyday use over time. Examples include:

• Minor scuffs on walls from furniture 
• Small nail holes from hanging pictures 
• Slight fading of paint or carpet from sunlight 
• Worn spots in carpet from regular foot traffic 
• Minor scratches on hardwood floors 

• Large holes in walls 
• Broken windows or torn screens 
• Burns, stains or tears in carpet 
• Broken appliances caused by misuse 
• Unauthorized paint colors or modifications
• Pet damage, including scratched doors, stained carpet or chewed trim 
• Mold caused by failure to maintain ventilation or report leaks 

The line between wear and tear and actual damage is not always clear, and it can vary by state. If you disagree with a deduction, your move-in checklist and photos are the evidence you will need to challenge it.

Use this checklist as a starting point. Add items specific to your unit as needed.