What should I document during a move-in inspection?

The Short Answer

A thorough move-in inspection creates an indisputable record of the unit's condition before you lived in it. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage when you move out, and it's the single most important step for securing your deposit return.

What You Need to Know

Photograph and video every room systematically: walls (including behind doors), floors, ceilings, windows, closets, cabinets, countertops, and all appliances inside and out. Note scratches, dents, stains, paint chips, carpet wear, cracked tiles, and any signs of water damage or mold. Test every fixture—run faucets, flush toilets, check that all burners and outlets work, and verify that locks, smoke detectors, and HVAC systems function properly.

Use a written move-in checklist that you and your landlord both sign and date. Many landlords provide these, but if yours doesn't, create your own. Be specific: "2-inch scratch on hardwood floor near bedroom closet" is far more useful than "minor floor damage." Include timestamps on all photos and videos—your phone does this automatically. Send a copy to your landlord via email so there's a digital record with a timestamp.

How to Protect Yourself

Complete the inspection within the first 24–48 hours. Store your documentation in multiple places—cloud storage, email, and a local backup. Honestkey™'s move-in checklist feature helps you organize this process so nothing gets missed.