Rental Unit Inspection And Itemization Checklist For: Fill & Download for Free

As a property manager, our leasing and maintenance staff inspect leased properties quarterly and at move out. Another inspection process occurs with new tenants as they move into the property.Each inspection follows a comprehensive condition and function checklist (around 30 pages) with notations and photos. Everything must be checked.The overall condition and function of everything in the unit - is what we are evaluating and monitoring. Anything unappealing or disfunctional is costly to the owner. We want to determine what will delay in releasing the property and what requires repair and attention. We also want to determine financial repsonsibility for correcting those items.If the roof has worn and a leak is occurring; the owner needs to fund the necessary repair quickly to prevent the problem from growing and becoming more expensive. This is most likley an owner responsibility, so long as the tenant has not done anything to compromise the roof. The tenant may not even be aware of the leak, if we find it occurring in the attic space.A clogged drain , may be due to a tenant’s hair, but is still likely an owner cost for repair, as the courts consider that normal wear on the property. However a clogged and non-functioning garbage disposal may be a charge to a tenant, as we can identify misuse to the appliance and a lackof regard for the property.The key to managing inspections are: 1. A checklist for a thorough inspection and consistency, 2, A schedule for inspections to preserve and protect the property (and communicate committment to your clients - owners & tenants), 3. photos - to preserve the observation and provide objective documentation that can be used as evidence and for comparison to a later or earlier date.

Many years ago I was renting out a unit in a building I owned. The new tenant that moved in was very happy with everything, especially after going through a thorough inspection, using a checklist, of everything in the unit just prior to her moving in.Two days later the new tenant contacted me. There was one electrical outlet in the main bedroom that didn't work, having plugged in a floor lamp. I checked the circuit breaker which was fine as well as the other electrical outlets in the room which worked fine. Many times these outlets are strung on the same circuit so if one doesn't work, chances are those other outlets "down line" won't work.I unscrewed the center wall plate screw and took off the cover. Smiling, I found the "problem!"The prior tenant had, evidently, removed the existing outlet box and installed a "Fake" outlet box that was used as a mini wall safe! Right there in that fake electrical wall box behind the realistic looking plug plate, she had hidden a watch and a safe deposit box key to a bank! The new tenant and I had a good laugh before I replaced the outlet with the proper two plug electric box and cover. The wires were behind the fake box and were capped off.In the end, I contacted the previous tenant and told her what I found. She had left a forwarding phone number and address for mail. I kept her items in my office until she came back to sign for and collect the two items.All's well that ends well!

A Checklist for Landlords With Tenants Moving OutA checklist can help ease the stress of tenant move-out. It makes both sides aware of the expectations. Landlords can customize this checklist to meet the specific needs of their property. The items on this list should include the condition the rental property should be left in, as well as any additional move-out procedures and obligations. Your tenant should provide notice that they intend to move out of your rental unit. Most often this is in the form of a letter but you may specify it be delivered in another format in your lease.Check with your local landlord/tenant laws to see how much notice the tenant should give before they vacate a rental unit.Move-Out ChecklistA tenant move-out checklist is a form that landlords should attach as a rider (also called an addendum) to the original lease agreement. This checklist provides instructions for the tenant on the procedures and the tasks they need to complete when they vacate your property.Every landlord's move-out checklist can be different. Some like to break down detailed procedures by room, while others only provide general terms of what is expected.Why It's ImportantMove-out checklists are especially important when it comes to the security deposit. Security deposit disputes are a big issue between landlords and tenants. If the tenant understands the proper procedures for move-out, including the condition they are supposed to leave the rental property in, it will help minimize these issues. Following these instructions, and adhering to the terms of their lease, will help ensure the tenant receives their security deposit back in full.Tailor your checklist to meet your own specific needs and the specific needs of your property.Sample Move-Out Checklist_____ Please call 3-5 days prior to your move-out to schedule your inspection_____ Apartment must be broom swept clean, mopped, and vacuumed_____ All kitchen(s) and bathroom(s) must be completely clean_____ All walls must be clean and painted the same color as before tenancy began (Unless Tenant has been given prior written permission from Landlord)_____ Vacuum and clean any/all carpet(s)_____ Clean all windows_____ Remove all of your personal possessions and belongings._____ No trash shall be left behind; Do NOT leave garbage at the curb_____ If applicable, all exterior areas shall be cleaned of debris and left clean_____ If applicable, exterior lawn and landscaping shall be presentable_____ Leave all kitchen appliances, window treatments, phone jacks, etc._____ All keys shall be returned at the inspection_____ All light fixtures are to work properly with working light bulbs_____ All electricity is to work properly_____ All plumbing is to be free of any leaks or blockages_____ All heating is to be working properly_____ All smoke alarm(s) and carbon monoxide alarm(s) shall be working properly_____ Leave ALL utilities on until your move-out inspection has completed_____ Make landlord aware of any damage or issues inside the rental unitAll of the aforementioned items need to be done PRIOR to your move-out inspection so that you can RECEIVE YOUR FULL SECURITY DEPOSIT BACK (less any withholding from earlier tenancy). Any and all repairs, repainting, trash removal, cleaning, and/or any other expenses that are attributed to restoring your home to its condition prior to your tenancy will be deducted from your Security Deposit.If additional money is needed to restore said home, Landlord will send Tenant a bill and/or file a legal suit for said money in court. Your Security Deposit will be mailed within 30 days of your move-out inspection to the address you provide Landlord (if no new address is given, any remaining Security Deposit money will be mailed to the current mailing address and the Post Office will be responsible for forwarding any/all mail to your new listed address). Please also note the replace/repair cost(s) for items you leave in disarray.Please remember to deliver your home in the same condition it was in prior to your tenancy. This will ensure YOU RECEIVE THE MOST MONEY POSSIBLE!Good luck with your move.Tenant(s) ________________________________ Date _________________________Tenant(s) ________________________________ Date _________________________