Last Updated December 27, 2023
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What is a Residential Rental Inspection Report?
A Residential Rental Inspection Report documents the condition of a rental property before a tenant moves in and after a tenant moves out.
The purpose is to list any property damage before and after a tenancy so the landlord or property manager knows what repairs the most recent tenant is responsible for. A Residential Rental Inspection Report also provides tenants with the confidence that they will not be blamed for issues that predate their tenancy.
A Residential Rental Inspection Report is also known as a:
- Home inspection checklist
- Pre-rental inspection checklist
- Post-rental inspection checklist
- Rental inspection checklist
- Move-in checklist
- Move-out checklist
Who should use a Residential Rental Inspection Report?
Some jurisdictions, like Washington State, require landlords, property owners, and property managers to fill out a Residential Rental Inspection Report at the beginning and end of each new tenancy when renting out any type of residential rental property. This includes:
- Single-family attached or detached homes
- Apartments, condos, duplexes, or townhouses
- Basement suites or rooms
To help you create your Residential Rental Rental Inspection Report, provide the following information in our questionnaire:
- The property type
- The property address
- The inspection date
- The property’s architectural features
- The information of the landlord, property manager, or sublessor
- The tenant’s information
LawDepot’s questionnaire is customizable and allows you to add additional comments and property details to suit your report’s needs.
How do I complete a rental inspection checklist?
Once you have a rental inspection checklist, you’re ready to conduct the inspection with the tenant. Let’s take a look at completing a pre-rental (move-in) and post-rental (move-out) checklist.
Move-in inspection
During a move-in inspection, both the landlord and tenant should be present. Try to conduct the walkthrough together, noting any existing damage to aspects of the property. Potential damages could include:
- Damaged windowsills, blinds, doors, or frames
- Scratches or marks on the floors or walls
- Stained carpets
- Holes in the walls
Make sure to record all pre-existing damages in the Residential Rental Inspection Report.
Move-out inspection
Ideally, tenants should be present for the move-out inspection. However, in the event that the tenant is unable to attend, the landlord should still perform the inspection. The landlord or property manager and tenant can inspect the property together if both are available.
This aims to determine if any new damages occurred due to negligence, vandalism, violation of lease terms, or failure to report maintenance issues and if the tenant is at fault.
Please note that regular wear and tear of the property is not considered at-fault damage.
