When moving into a rental property, you get the right to use it as long as you take good care of it. The place might not be perfect, so it's important to document any existing damage before you move in. This protects your deposit from being charged for things you didn't break. The move-in inspection form is your protection from unfair charges. Fill it out as soon as possible - usually within a few days of moving in. After you document everything, make sure you and your landlord both have a copy for your records.

During the move-in inspection, you basically want to document everything you're renting. This includes everything you can see inside and outside the house, from the floors to the ceilings. Make sure to check the condition of all the appliances listed in your lease agreement.

Here's a breakdown of what to look for in each area:

- Every room: Inspect the doors, locks, cabinets, closets, fixtures, outlets, and switches.

- Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms: Pay extra attention to these rooms to ensure everything is working properly and looks good. Check things like sinks, toilets, faucets, cabinets, and appliances.

- Hallways, exterior doors, backyard, garage, and house exterior: Don't forget to include these areas in your inspection! Make sure to note the condition of the doors, walkways, and overall exterior of the property.

Before you move in, your landlord should: Show you the location of the utility meters (electric, gas, water) if your property has them. Point out the main water shut-off valve and show you how to turn it on and off (if it's something you can operate).

If the property has a yard: Discuss who is responsible for yard maintenance (you or the landlord). Talk about how often the yard needs care (mowing, trimming, etc.). Agree on what's considered an acceptable condition for the yard (e.g., grass height, weed, bug and rodent control).

When renting a house or duplex, take some time to examine the outside condition. Walk around the entire property and check:

- Windows: Make sure mosquito screens are on all windows.

- Plants: If you're responsible for yard care, note the health of the major plants.

- Water spigots: Find all the outdoor faucets and confirm they work properly.

- Doors: Check that all doors (front, back, and sliding) function well and have working locks, including deadbolts where needed.

- Driveway: Look for any major flaws like holes, dips, or oil spills and make a note of them.

- Start with the basics: Check the doors, locks, floors, walls, and ceiling for any imperfections like dents, uneven textures, leaks, discoloration, or dirt. Take pictures of anything that seems wrong.

- Move on to appliances: Open and close each appliance if possible. Then turn them on and see if they work properly.

- Inspect the sink: Make sure both hot and cold water turn on and off without leaks. Check the garbage disposal, hood fan, and lights too.

- Cabinets: Open all the cabinet doors and make sure they function well. Look for any damage inside the cabinets.

- Stove and oven: Check if all the parts are there and that they work properly.

- Refrigerator and freezer: See if they are cold enough. If the ice maker isn't working because the appliance is unplugged, make a note to check it later.

- Countertops: Inspect them for chips, cuts, stains, or etching.

- Document everything: Write down all your observations on the move-in inspection form. Take pictures with descriptions to help you remember the condition of the kitchen.

- Doors and walls: Make sure the doors have locks and stoppers if needed. Check the walls around the door handle for any damage from past repairs or the knob hitting the wall.

- Cabinets: Open and close all the cabinets to see if they work properly. Look for any damage or water damage inside the cabinets.

- Sink: Turn on the hot and cold water to see if they work properly and check for leaks underneath. If the sink has an overflow drain, test it as well. Make sure the water flows freely in and out.

- Bathtub/Shower: Ideally, fill the bathtub with some water to check for leaks. See how quickly the water drains once you open the drain. Test the jets if the bathtub has them. For showers, make sure the showerhead works properly and doesn't leak, especially onto the surrounding walls.

- Toilet: Flush the toilet and check if the tank refills properly.

- Mirrors: Look for any cracks or imperfections in the reflective surface.

- Exhaust fan: Make sure the exhaust fan is working properly.

- Caulking: Check the caulking around the bathtub, shower, and sinks for any damage or mold.

- Countertops: Look for any chips, cracks, stains, or etching on the countertops.

- Document everything: Write down all your observations on the move-in inspection form. Take pictures with descriptions to help you remember the condition of the bathroom.

- Give everything a good look: Inspect the walls, doors, light fixtures, windows (including window screens), and floors.

- Focus on the floor: Pay particular attention to carpeted or wood floors, noting any worn or discolored areas.

- Check the closets: Make sure the doors (sliding or hinged) open and close properly. Inspect the walls, ceiling, and floor inside the closet for any hidden damage.

- Check the fixtures, lights and fans if they exist.

Just like in other rooms, check the walls, doors, light fixtures, windows (including screens), and floors. Pay close attention to:

- Floors: Look for any worn or discolored areas, especially on carpets or wood floors.

- TV mounting: See if there are any leftover holes from a previous TV mount.

- Baseboards: Make sure the baseboards are clean and sealed.

- Air vents: Check that the air conditioning vents (in the floor, walls, or ceiling) are clean and unobstructed.

- Garage door(s): Make sure the door leading to the garage from the house opens and closes properly, and that it has working locks. Test all the garage door openers (remote or keypad) to see if they function, as well as the manual operation of the door.

- Garage floor: Look for any damage caused by oil spills or other fluids. Make sure to document any stains or imperfections.

- Appliances: If there are any appliances in the garage, test them to make sure they work properly.

- Heating and air conditioning (HVAC): If the house has heating and air conditioning, check if both hot and cold air work properly (weather permitting). You can also see if the air filters are clean.

- Sprinkler system (if equipped): If there's a sprinkler system, test it to make sure it works properly. Check if the timing and zones are set up correctly.

- Septic system (if equipped): If the house has a septic system, find out where the control panel is located. Ask your landlord what to do if the septic alarm goes off.

- Washer and dryer (if included): If the lease includes a washer and dryer, make sure they both work properly.

Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage: Everything in your rental property has a lifespan, kind of like how furniture wears out over time. The IRS sets these lifespans, and landlords use them for tax purposes.

This "useful life" also matters to you as a tenant!

Here's why: Landlords can only charge you for damage that goes beyond "normal wear and tear." So, if something breaks but it's past its expected lifespan, you likely won't be responsible for replacing it.

For example, imagine the IRS says carpets typically last 5 years. If you live there for 7 years and the carpet wears out, you might have a discussion with your landlord about who pays to replace it.