Move-In Inspection Checklist for Tenants
Before you unpack, document the condition of your rental. A clear move-in record can help reduce confusion later if there is a dispute about damage, cleaning, or security deposit deductions.
Before you start
- Take photos before moving furniture or boxes inside.
- Make sure each room is well lit.
- Capture both wide room photos and close-up issue photos.
- Photograph existing stains, scratches, cracks, dents, water damage, missing items, or broken fixtures.
- Keep your photos organized by room.
Rooms and areas to document
- Entryway and doors
- Living room
- Bedrooms
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Floors and carpets
- Walls and ceilings
- Windows and blinds
- Appliances
- Cabinets and drawers
- Plumbing fixtures
- Heating, cooling, and vents
- Balcony, patio, garage, or storage areas if applicable
Photos to take
- One wide photo from each corner of the room
- Close-up photos of visible damage
- Photos of appliances and fixtures
- Photos of existing stains or marks
- Photos of floors, walls, and ceilings
- Photos of keys, remotes, access cards, or included items if relevant
Common mistakes to avoid
- Only taking photos after moving in
- Recording only damaged areas and not normal areas
- Taking blurry close-up photos with no room context
- Keeping evidence only in a phone album with no structure
- Forgetting to document bathrooms, appliances, and floors
How StayProof helps
StayProof AI helps turn property photos into a structured, timestamped, AI-assisted condition report. Instead of leaving photos scattered in your camera roll, you can organize them by area, review AI-generated descriptions, confirm the findings, and export a report.
Disclaimer: StayProof reports are designed to help organize property documentation. They are not legal advice, an official inspection, an insurance assessment, or a guarantee of dispute outcomes.
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