Apartment Rental Move-In / Move-Out Inspection

Our Apartment Rental Move-In / Move-Out Inspection is designed to document the visible condition of a rental unit before a tenant moves in or after a tenant moves out. This service can be used by landlords, property managers, tenants, or prospective renters who want a clear written and photo-based record of the apartment’s condition.

This inspection is not a legal judgment, security deposit decision, code inspection, or repair estimate. It is a practical condition report that documents visible damage, general functionality, and notable concerns at the time of inspection.

Common Uses

This inspection can be useful for:

• Tenants documenting pre-existing damage before move-in

• Landlords documenting condition before releasing possession

• Landlords documenting condition after move-out

• Renters comparing move-in condition to move-out condition

• Property managers maintaining organized unit records

• Dispute prevention through third-party documentation

• Identifying maintenance issues before occupancy

What We Inspect

General Interior Condition

We inspect the accessible interior areas of the apartment and document visible damage, wear, or maintenance concerns.

Includes:

• Walls

• Ceilings

• Flooring

• Baseboards and trim

• Interior doors

• Entry door condition

• Closets and storage areas

• Windows, locks, screens, and visible seal concerns

• Blinds, curtains, or window coverings if present

• Stains, cracks, holes, dents, scratches, or visible damage

• Signs of moisture staining or prior leaks

Photo Documentation of Existing Damage

We provide clear photo documentation of notable visible conditions.

Includes:

• Current damage before move-in

• Damage present after move-out

• Scratches, dents, holes, stains, or broken components

• Flooring damage

• Cabinet and countertop damage

• Door and trim damage

• Window or screen damage

• Bathroom and kitchen concerns

• Appliance condition concerns

• Any area that may need landlord, tenant, or maintenance review

The goal is to create a clear record of what was visible at the time of inspection.

Kitchen Condition Check

We inspect the kitchen’s visible condition and basic functionality.

Includes:

• Countertops

• Cabinets and drawers

• Sink and faucet operation

• Drain function

• Visible leaks under sink*

• Garbage disposal operation if present**

• Dishwasher operation if present**

• Range, oven, cooktop, or built-in microwave testing where present and safe**

• Refrigerator/freezer basic operation check if present**

• Flooring, walls, backsplash, and visible finishes

• GFCI outlet check where present and accessible*

Bathroom Condition Check

We inspect bathrooms for visible damage, basic plumbing function, and moisture concerns.

Includes:

• Sink and faucet operation

• Tub and shower operation

• Toilet operation and stability

• Visible leaks at fixtures and drains*

• Water stains or moisture concerns

• Exhaust fan operation where present

• Cabinet, vanity, mirror, and fixture condition

• Flooring, walls, ceilings, and caulking condition

• GFCI outlet check where present and accessible*

Appliance Operation Testing

We test included appliances using normal operating controls when they are safely accessible and connected.

May include:

• Refrigerator/freezer**

• Oven/range/cooktop**

• Dishwasher**

• Built-in microwave**

• Garbage disposal**

• Washer/dryer if included in the unit**

• Range hood or exhaust fan**

This is a basic operation check, not a full appliance diagnostic or performance certification.

Basic Electrical Check

We perform a simple review of accessible electrical components.

Includes:

• Representative outlet testing*

• Light switch operation

• Installed light fixture operation

• GFCI outlet testing where present and accessible*

• Visible damaged outlet covers, switches, or fixtures

• Electrical panel access check if located inside the unit*

• Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm presence where visible

This does not replace evaluation by a licensed electrician.

Basic Plumbing and Leak Check

We check accessible plumbing fixtures for basic operation and visible leaks.

Includes:

• Sink operation

• Tub and shower operation

• Toilet operation

• Drain function

• Visible leak indicators under sinks*

• Water staining near plumbing areas

• Water heater area if located inside the apartment and accessible*

• Laundry hookup area if present and accessible*

This is not a full plumbing diagnostic or sewer/drain scope.

Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation

We check accessible comfort and ventilation features using normal controls when conditions allow.

Includes:

• Thermostat operation where accessible*

• Heating/cooling response where safe and appropriate*

• Supply vents and return areas

• Bathroom exhaust fans

• Kitchen ventilation where present

• Visible HVAC damage or blocked airflow concerns

This does not certify HVAC performance or remaining service life.

Doors, Windows, Locks, and Safety Items

We inspect common rental-use components that affect function, security, and daily living.

Includes:

• Entry door condition

• Interior door operation

• Door locks and latches where accessible

• Window operation where accessible

• Window locks and screens

• Closet doors

• Sliding doors if present

• Handrails, guardrails, stairs, or balconies if part of the unit

• Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm presence where visible

Move-In Report Option

For move-in inspections, the report focuses on documenting conditions before occupancy.

Useful for:

• Pre-existing damage

• Appliance condition

• Fixture operation

• Cleanliness concerns

• Missing or damaged items

• Areas needing maintenance before move-in

• Tenant records before taking possession

Move-Out Report Option

For move-out inspections, the report focuses on documenting conditions after occupancy.

Useful for:

• Damage documentation

• Appliance and fixture condition

• Cleaning or maintenance concerns

• Comparison to prior move-in records if provided

• Landlord or tenant records after possession ends

If a prior move-in report is provided, findings may be organized in a way that makes comparison easier.

Report and Documentation

You will receive an organized report with clear sections and photos.

Includes:

• Date of inspection

• Unit area breakdown

• Photos of notable findings

• Written descriptions of visible conditions

• Appliance operation notes

• Basic plumbing/electrical function notes

• Recommended maintenance or further evaluation notes

• Move-in or move-out condition summary

What This Inspection Does Not Include

This inspection does not include:

• Legal decisions or security deposit rulings

• Determining fault, blame, or tenant responsibility

• Repair cost estimates

• Code compliance certification

• Full electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or appliance diagnostics

• Mold testing

• Pest inspection

• Air quality testing

• Hidden damage behind walls, ceilings, or flooring

• Moving heavy furniture or personal belongings

• Testing inaccessible systems

• Common-area building inspection unless specifically agreed upon

Disclaimer

* We are not licensed electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, contractors, engineers, attorneys, or property managers. Findings are based on visible/accessibly tested conditions and may require further evaluation by a qualified professional.

** Appliance testing depends on condition, access, connection, utilities, safety, and whether the appliance responds to normal operating controls. We do not test every advanced feature, calibration, cycle, timer, thermostat accuracy, or specialty function.

Access Notice: Areas blocked by furniture, stored items, tenant belongings, locked spaces, unsafe conditions, or lack of utilities may be excluded from the inspection.

Rental Documentation Notice: This report documents visible conditions at the time of inspection. It does not determine legal responsibility, deposit deductions, habitability compliance, or landlord/tenant liability.