Securing Your Security Deposit: A Comprehensive Guide to Move-In and Move-Out Inspections

The objective of this article is to explain to tenants how to perform a move-in and move-out inspection properly to secure their security deposit.

Inspection

An inspection protects the tenants, and landlords, during the move-in/move-out process and even throughout the term of the tenancy. Performing a proper inspection during the move-in and move-out can save all parties headaches, and a considerable amount of money.

Imagine if during your tenancy, the landlord said you damaged a part of the house and although you knew it was like that when you first took possession of the property, you had no way to proof that you received the property in that condition. This is where performing an inspection properly can come in – By taking photos and notes of the property prior to moving-into the property can save you in the future.

Depending on your State, a State can be Landlord or Tenant friendly. Florida is a Landlord-Friendly State.

This article will guide you, from a tenant’s perspective, on how to perform a move-in & move-out inspection properly.

Move-in Inspection

A move-in inspection should be completed before moving into the property. Preferrably, 24-72 hours before officially taking possession of the property as to provide the landlord time to perform any repairs necessary, after bringing your inspection and notes to the landlord, before you move-in. This will avoid the headaches of having a vendor go to the property while you’re still in the process of moving in.

The purpose of a move-in inspection is to document the condition of the property in which you received and took possession of. This is vital to protect yourself and your security deposit.

To perform a proper move-in inspection, discuss with the Landlord or the Landlord’s Agent, if you are able to gain access to the property 24-72 hours prior to your scheduled move-in date to perform the move-in inspection. If the landlord refuses to grant you access to perform a move-in inspection, make sure you get the refusal in writing and try to come to an agreement for up to 21 days after move-in date for the move-in inspection to be completed.

The landlord should perform their own move-in inspection. However, you want your own photos, documents, and notes for safe keeping. It’s better to make your own. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying If you want a job done right, do it yourself.

Not performing a move-in/move-out inspection properly could increase the chances of you being held liable for damages that you did not cause.

Inspection Check List

• Smartphone / Camera
• Notepad (Preferrably a digital notepad; OneNote, Evernote, etc.,)
• Checklist (Click Here)

Make sure you have the above to perform a proper move-in inspection to better protect yourself and your security deposit.

Download the checklist and complete it in its entirety. Documenting everything via photos and notes.

Upon completion of the inspection, you may open up a Word Document or OpenOffice document and add all of the photos and notes accordingly. Then export as a PDF but save the text version if you ever need to add additional notes, etc.,.

Tip: Make sure to document items such as; A/C Air Handler Coil, A/C Vents, Underneath Kitchen/Bathroom sinks, etc.,

Move-out Inspection

A move-out inspection should be completed prior to returning possession of the property to the Landlord/Agent. Similarly to the move-in inspection, it’s better to do it when everything is empty; No furniture, etc.,.

The purpose of a move-out inspection is to document the condition of the property in which you are returning to the Landlord/Agent. It’s recommended to always return the property in equal to or greater condition than it was received to avoid any claims on your security deposit.

When performing a move-out inspection, you want to make sure you cross reference your move-in inspection to make sure you do not miss anything. Review your move-in inspection and then perform the move-out inspection like normal but emphasis any damages to the property, whether due to landlord’s neglect or damages caused by you.

Maintaining records of all maintenance requests that you’ve placed to the Landlord/Agent will be useful during the move-out inspection.

Conclusion
In summary, the purpose of a move-in/move-out inspection is to document the condition of the property received and returned. This will protect the tenant, and landlord, in cause of any damages or neglect. Documenting the property in its entirety is the safest bet.