Move-in and move-out inspection checklist
Inspection details
Rooms to include
Incoming inspection report (Annexure A)
- The landlord and tenant must inspect the dwelling together before the tenant moves in, to record existing defects and damage (Rental Housing Act s5(3)(e)). This signed list is attached to the lease (s5(7)).
- If the landlord does not inspect with the tenant, the dwelling is deemed to be in good repair and the full deposit plus interest must be refunded at the end (s5(3)(j)).
- Take dated photos of every defect and keep them with this report.
7 rooms, 65 items. Print it and fill it in together on the day.
Entrance and passage
Front door, locks and security gate · Walls and paint · Ceiling · Floor and skirting · Lights and switches · Alarm keypad or intercom
Lounge
Walls and paint · Ceiling · Floor and skirting · Doors, handles and locks · Windows, glass and burglar bars · Lights and switches · Plug points · Curtain rails or blinds
Kitchen
Walls and paint · Ceiling · Floor and skirting · Doors, handles and locks · Windows, glass and burglar bars · Lights and switches · Plug points · Stove, oven and extractor · Sink, taps and drainage · Cupboards, drawers and handles · Counter tops and tiles · Fridge or appliance space · Washing machine connection
Main bedroom
Walls and paint · Ceiling · Floor and skirting · Doors, handles and locks · Windows, glass and burglar bars · Lights and switches · Plug points · Curtain rails or blinds · Built-in cupboards
Bedroom 2
Walls and paint · Ceiling · Floor and skirting · Doors, handles and locks · Windows, glass and burglar bars · Lights and switches · Plug points · Curtain rails or blinds · Built-in cupboards
Main bathroom
Walls and tiles · Ceiling and extractor · Floor · Door and lock · Window · Lights and switches · Toilet and seat · Basin and taps · Bath and taps · Shower, glass and drainage · Mirror, towel rails and fittings
Garden and outside
Garden and lawn · Paving and driveway · Gate, motor and remotes · Walls, fence and electric fence · Outside lights · Washing line · Pool and pool equipment · Geyser (age and condition) · Roof and gutters (visible)
Meters and keys
Electricity and water meter readings · keys, remotes and tags handed over
Signed by the landlord and the tenant, with the date.
How to do a good inspection
- Inspect in daylight, together, and test everything: taps, plugs, lights, the stove, the geyser, locks and remotes.
- Write down every defect, however small, and photograph it. "Scuff on wall next to door, 10 cm" beats "fair".
- Record the meter readings and the keys and remotes handed over.
- Both sign every page and keep a copy.
Fair wear and tear
A deposit may cover damage caused during the tenancy and lost keys, but not normal fair wear and tear, such as faded paint or carpets worn by ordinary use. Comparing the move-out report with the move-in report shows what changed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a move-in inspection compulsory?
Yes. The landlord and tenant must inspect the dwelling together before the tenant moves in, to record existing defects (Rental Housing Act s5(3)(e)). The list of defects is attached to the lease (s5(7)).
When is the move-out inspection?
Within 3 days before the lease ends, at a time convenient to both (s5(3)(f)). If the tenant does not respond to the request, the landlord inspects alone within 7 days after the lease ends (s5(3)(k)).
What if the landlord skips the inspection?
If the landlord does not inspect with the tenant at the start or the end, the landlord is deemed to accept that the dwelling is in good repair, has no further claim, and must refund the full deposit plus interest (s5(3)(j)).
Should we take photos?
Yes. Dated photos of each defect, kept with the signed checklist, are the best evidence if there is a dispute about the deposit.