Rental Walk Through Checklist
Table of Contents
Introduction
Save the full checklist and customize it later.
- Entries
- DoorsThese should be solid and equipped with deadbolts. Locks should have been changed since the last tenant.
- WindowsAll windows should lock from the inside and be equipped with screens or bars.
- SecurityNote if a good security system is installed, and find out who is responsible for service.
- Rooms
- WallsIs the paint fresh, or are there stains or torn wallpaper? If painting is needed, request that the landlord do so or give you a discount on rent in exchange for your doing it.
- FloorsNote any gouges in wood flooring, cracks in tile, or stains on carpet.
- CeilingsNote any cracks, sagging or water stains.
- Closets/cupboardsThere should be no mold or sign of pest infestation.
- Plumbing
- PipesCheck under sinks and behind toilets to ensure there are no leaks.
- ToiletsFlush each toilet to see how much water they use and if they are noisy.
- FaucetsCheck sink, tub and shower faucets for drips. Leaks can run up your water bill fast.
- BathShowers, tub surrounds, etc should be checked for missing tiles or grout. Cracks in the sink or counter should be noted as well.
- Hot waterThe hot water heater should be well maintained and set to a safe hot water temperature.
- Electrical.
- SwitchesFind out what switches control what lights and plug outlets.
- OutletsLook for blackened outlets or ones marred by screws being forced in the ground. Insist on their replacement.
- BreakersAsk to be shown the breaker box and request a diagram showing what switch controls what in the house.
- Safety
- DetectorsCheck to see if smoke and carbon monoxide monitors are provided and in working order.
- Fire extinguishersThese should be tagged as inspected by the proper authorities - fire extinguishers can lose efficiency after time.
- Escape planMake sure windows that would be needed to escape in case of fire are not painted shut. Upper levels should have fire escape access.
- Appliances
- DishwasherIf possible, run the dishwasher through a short cycle during your walk-through.
- Washing machineAlso run the washing machine through a rinse and spin cycle.
- DryerMake sure the element gets hot and that it spins freely.
- StoveCheck each burner, the oven coil and the broiler. The stove should not be direct wired to the wall.
- Refrigerator/freezerThe fridge should be clean and cold. Test by freezing some ice cubes.
- Air conditioning/heatingThese should both be tested no matter what the season. Ask who is responsible for replacing filters.
- Exterior
- RoofNote any damage or missing shingles.
- YardIf landscaping is in disrepair, find out what you are expected to be responsible for.
- FencingAny damaged or weak fencing should be duly noted.
- GarageIf there is an electric garage door, make sure you get a remote door opener.
Download or Print this Rental Walk Through Checklist
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Presented by:
Nicole Nichols-West
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Details
A rental walk-through is a no-brainer when it comes to signing a lease to take possession of a house or apartment. If you hope to get your deposit back, you have to be able to show that you have done no damage to the premises during your stay. Your landlord should give you a checklist so you can note anything that is damaged, missing or not working properly, but if they don't (or even if they do) double check to be sure you aren't going to be stuck paying for something that was already broken when you moved in.
Tips
Whether you have an individual landlord or are renting from a property management company, you need to protect yourself. Even the smallest imperfection could come back to haunt you alter if it isn’t noted as existing prior to your move in date. It is best to conduct a walk through with the owner or property manager present – if they are unavailable, get it in writing that you have a week to turn in your checklist, and insist on having it signed by them and a copy provided to you as soon as possible.
You should also take pictures of the entire house, in and out – making note of any problem areas so you can prove undisputedly that they were trouble when you moved in, not something caused by you.
Covering all the bases is the best way to ensure that you get your security deposit back, whether you are renting a house or an apartment.
Once you have obtained a signed copy of your annotated checklist from the landlord, put it, your notes and the pictures you took (if you have a digital camera, you can transfer the pictures to a disc) in a manila envelope and store it in a safe place so you will be easily able to find it when you are ready to move out. Then you can insist on a walkthrough of the property with the owner or manager again and arrange to have your deposit refunded to you.
Who it's for
This Rental Walk Through Checklist is for teams that want consistent execution, less rework, and clear ownership.
- Standardize quality - run the same Rental Walk Through steps every time, regardless of who executes
- Save time - reuse a proven Rental Walk Through workflow instead of rebuilding processes from scratch
- Improve accountability - assign owners and see what's done vs. what's pending
- Onboard faster - use the Rental Walk Through checklist as the SOP and training guide
- Coordinate across roles - handoffs are clear and everyone works from the same source of truth
How to use it
How to use this Rental Walk Through Checklist:
- Start by saving it - save as a Template if you'll reuse it, or as a Checklist if it's a one-off project.
- Customize it once for your workflow - remove what doesn't apply and add your team-specific steps.
- Assign ownership and execute - set owners/due dates where needed and track completion as work happens.
- Reuse without rebuilding - when Rental Walk Through comes up again, start from your saved version and run it with clear ownership.