The move-in/move-out checklist allows landlords and tenants to list any damages (with the structure, appliances, fixtures, etc.) that are present within a rental property before the occupant moves in and after they move out. This can help protect the landlord as they will have proof that any additional harm to the property during the course of the tenancy is not noted within the form. The same goes for the tenant who will not be responsible to deduct the cost of repairs from their security deposit if the landlord claims damages for something that was already included in the checklist prior to the occupancy. Both parties should examine the property together before the tenant moves in to catalog all the existing damages. Once the damages are registered, the landlord (or their representative) and the individual who will be residing within the premises should sign off on the document. This will subsequently occur again at the time of the tenant’s move-out date.

Homebuyers & Sellers – If involved in the purchase/sale of a residential property, you are going to want to alternately execute the property disclosure statement that requires the seller to record the present condition of the property and any of the mechanisms within it.