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The Ultimate Rental Walkthrough Checklist for Landlords

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Updated on October 17th, 2024

Reading Time: 5 minutes

When a new tenant moves into your property, there’s a lot more to do than just signing a lease and setting a move-in date. One of these things is conducting a rental walkthrough with your tenant. Typically done before move-in and immediately after move-out, this is the time for you and your tenants to take note of any imperfections or issues with the property.

In this Redfin article, we’ve got the ultimate rental walkthrough checklist for you, so you don’t miss anything during the inspection. Whether you’re a landlord renting a home in Chicago or a property manager renting an apartment in Dallas, this checklist can help protect yourself and your property.

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When to do a rental walkthrough with your tenant

There are two times when you should do a walkthrough of your property — right before new tenants move in and immediately after they move out. Keeping both inspections on the same rental walkthrough checklist will help you see exactly how well your tenants took care of the property. It’s a great landlord resource to have on hand. You can also consider having a new copy of the checklist for the move-out inspection, but reference the original checklist. 

The pre-move-in walkthrough helps you take note of starting conditions within the home. You’ll note damage that’s already there, if any. Then you can see whether things worsen beyond normal wear and tear once your tenants move out.

Keeping the results of each walkthrough on the same checklist makes it easier to notice these changes. If the door frame to the bedroom was in pristine condition before move-in but is full of sizable scratches after move-out, you know it’s something you can charge your tenants to repair. With a security deposit from your tenants, it’s easy to manage the reimbursement for the repair without having to wait on funds.

How to do a rental walkthrough

Rental property walkthroughs should occur with your tenants, although some property management companies may give tenants their own checklist to fill out. This is an opportunity for both of you to protect yourselves against paying for damages you’re not responsible for. Your tenant won’t want to get charged for issues already present in the home, and you don’t want them to contest a repair you believe should be covered with their security deposit.

Once you schedule a time with the tenant, come prepared with your own landlord walkthrough checklist. Your tenant might have one as well, but let them know that your copy, which you’ll both sign off on, will go into your files.

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Rental walkthrough checklist: 6 steps for success

As you walk through the unit, observe, take notes, pictures, and video to document all conditions that are less-than-normal in the home. Make sure you note the things your tenant notices as well as what you see yourself. It’s best to put all the information right onto the checklist so everything is in one place. The pictures can then provide additional evidence should it become necessary later on. Following these steps can ensure you complete a thorough walkthrough.

1. Inspect certain items in every room

No matter what room of the rental you’re in, there are certain areas you should always inspect. Most of these areas suffer from normal wear and tear, so take that into account as you go.

You can note small, common imperfections, but only take detailed notes when there’s a significant issue. For example, if the previous tenant left a huge hole in the wall from a heavy mirror they hung, make sure to write that down – and make time to fix it.

In general, you should look at the following in each room:

  • Floor
  • Walls
  • Ceiling
  • Doors
  • Windows, screens, window frames
  • Light fixtures
  • Outlets and switches
  • Lightbulbs

Make note of anything you can fix or replace immediately and take care of that before the tenant moves in if you can. When you do so, go back to your rental walkthrough checklist and cross the issue off.

2. Check for safety violations

In rooms where it’s relevant, you’ll also want to check the safety equipment in your rental property. That means testing the smoke detectors, and fire alarms, and checking to ensure any fire extinguishers haven’t expired. This should also be something your tenant is particularly concerned with, since having all the safety equipment in working order directly impacts them and their space.

3. Test the plumbing

In bathrooms and kitchens, make sure to look for leaks and water damage. You should also test that faucets, showers, and toilets all work. Inspect tubs and sinks to make sure there aren’t any oversized cracks or chips present as well.

If your rental property has a hose hook-up outside, it’s best to look at that too. Whether or not you have a hose there, test the faucet to make sure it works and doesn’t leak as well.

Modern kitchen with glass wall

4. Turn on/off appliances

While you’re in the kitchen, test all the appliances with your tenant present. Turn everything on to show them how they work, but also that they work. This includes the stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and washer and dryer. You can also show them where the appliance manuals are if tenants have any future questions or concerns.

5. Open cabinets and drawers

Since wear and tear can happen anywhere, check cabinets and drawers by opening and closing them all. Make sure the pulls and handles are still firmly attached, and the hinges are working properly. Everything should close all the way and not look like it’s about to come loose.

While you’re opening these all up, you should also make sure drawers, cabinets, and closets are empty. Remove anything you might find, although you don’t have to write that on the checklist.

6. Make note of any unique features of your property

If your rental property has any additional features like stairs, a backyard, a garage, a deck, or a balcony, make sure they’re a part of your walkthrough as well. Note any issues found in those areas and check to make sure everything is in good condition and safe.

Conducting a thorough rental walkthrough

Having a thorough walkthrough of your property both before a tenant moves in and after they move out gets everything noticed. However, it may not be the only time you need to give your property a once-over. Don’t discount a mid-lease home inspection should you suspect any issues with your tenants. This lets you make repairs as necessary instead of waiting until the end of a lease term.

No matter how often you need to break out your rental walkthrough checklist, a careful eye, and attention to detail will help you maintain your property. It also makes it easier to properly assign repair charges at the end of the lease.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
Alison Bentley

Alison Bentley

Alison is part of the Content Marketing team as a Content Marketing Specialist. In her 4 years at Redfin, Alison has written a variety of articles ranging from home design tips to housing affordability. A California-native, Alison currently resides in Seattle where you can find her catching a concert or exploring farmers’ markets. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.

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