Rental move-in inspection checklist: A landlord’s guide to hassle-free property management

If you have joined the growing number of property investors opting to self-manage their properties… this is for you.

Are you ready to tackle the exciting world of move-in inspections? We know, we know – “exciting” might be stretching it a bit. But stick with us, because we’re about to make your life a whole lot easier with the ultimate rental move-in inspection checklist.

Why a rental move-in inspection checklist matters

First things first: why bother with a rental move-in inspection checklist? Well, it’s like taking “before” pictures when you start a new diet. You need to know where you’re starting from to track your progress (or in this case, any changes/damages). Plus, it helps avoid those awkward “But it was like that when I moved in!” conversations with tenants down the line.

The universal rental move-in inspection checklist

Now, we know that rental property legislation can be as varied as pizza toppings across different states and countries. But fear not! We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly accepted checkpoints that’ll have you covered, whether you’re in Sydney or San Francisco.

• Walls and ceilings (look for cracks, stains, or peeling paint)
• Floors (check for scratches, stains, or loose tiles)
• Windows and doors (ensure they open, close, and lock properly)
• Light fixtures and switches (test them all)

• Appliances (make sure they’re working and clean)
• Cabinets and countertops (check for damage or wear)
• Sink and faucets (look for leaks or damage)

• Toilet (check for leaks and proper flushing)
• Shower/bathtub (inspect for mold, mildew, or damage)
• Sink and vanity (look for leaks or damage)

• Closets (check doors, rails, and shelves)
• Electrical outlets (ensure they’re working and safe)

• Lawn and landscaping (note the condition)
• Parking areas (check for cracks or damage)
• Exterior walls and roof (look for visible damage)

Making your rental move-in inspection a breeze

Remembering everything that’s on the list is hard. Well, that’s where the magic of technology comes in. Imagine having all these checkpoints at your fingertips, being able to take photos and notes as you go, and generating a professional report at the end – all from your smartphone. Plus – imagine your new tenant has access to this report on their phone, and the ability to upload comments and photos if they disagree with your condition findings… and this all happens in ONE app.

Sounds too good to be true? Well, say hello to the first-of-its-kind remote property inspection app, Tenant Connect.

Introducing Tenant Connect: The ground-breaking remote inspection app

Tenant Connect isn’t just for move-in inspections. It’s your go-to tool for all types of property inspections – moving-in, ongoing (or routine), and moving-out – whether you’re doing them in person or remotely. Welcome to the future of property management.

Your next steps

1. Download Tenant Connect
2. Set up your property details
3. Get your tenant to download the app too
4. Use the app to schedule and conduct your next rental move-in inspection… remind your tenant that they have up to 7 days to respond to the moving-in inspection (they’ll receive app-notifications too), and schedule all the ongoing inspections after that
5. Sit back and marvel at how easy that was

Remember, while Tenant Connect allows you to create your own move-in inspection checklist, it’s always a good idea to check your local regulations. Pop over to your state’s government website for any specific requirements in your area.

Keen to know more? Get in touch with us to start the conversation, or see our FAQs here.