{"id":96057,"date":"2024-08-05T14:41:18","date_gmt":"2024-08-05T21:41:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=96057"},"modified":"2024-10-17T13:55:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T20:55:29","slug":"rental-walkthrough-checklist-for-landlords","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/rental-walkthrough-checklist-for-landlords\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Rental Walkthrough Checklist for Landlords"},"content":{"rendered":"

When a new tenant moves into your property, there\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this Redfin article, we\u2019ve got the ultimate rental walkthrough checklist for you, so you don\u2019t miss anything during the inspection. Whether you\u2019re a landlord <\/span>renting a home in Chicago<\/span><\/a> or a property manager renting an <\/span>apartment in Dallas<\/span><\/a>, this checklist can help protect yourself and your property.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When to do a rental walkthrough with your tenant<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are two times when you should do a walkthrough of your property \u2014 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<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The pre-move-in walkthrough helps you take note of starting conditions within the home. You\u2019ll note damage that\u2019s already there, if any. Then you can see whether things worsen beyond normal wear and tear once your tenants move out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s something you can charge your tenants to repair. With a <\/span>security deposit<\/span><\/a> from your tenants, it\u2019s easy to manage the reimbursement for the repair without having to wait on funds.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to do a rental walkthrough<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2019re not responsible for. Your tenant won\u2019t want to get charged for issues already present in the home, and you don\u2019t want them to contest a repair you believe should be covered with their security deposit.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019ll both sign off on, will go into your files.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Rental walkthrough checklist: 6 steps for success<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Inspect certain items in every room<\/span><\/h3>\n

No matter what room of the rental you\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can note small, common imperfections, but only take detailed notes when there\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In general, you should look at the following in each room:<\/span><\/p>\n