States That Require Move-In Inspections or Checklists
- California: Landlord must provide itemized statement of pre-existing damage
- Michigan: Required written move-in checklist before or within 7 days of move-in
- Wisconsin: Landlord must give tenant written check-in sheet
- Hawaii: Written inventory of furnishings required
- Many other states: Strongly encouraged or partially required
What to Do Regardless of State Law
- 1Take a complete video walkthrough on move-in day before unpacking
- 2Photograph every room, every wall, every appliance
- 3Note any existing damage, stains, holes, or wear in writing
- 4Send an email to your landlord listing pre-existing conditions
- 5Keep the date-stamped photos and the sent email forever
The Most Important Protection You Have
Move-in photos are the single most valuable protection for your security deposit. They cost nothing and take 10 minutes. The absence of move-in documentation is the primary reason tenants lose deposit disputes.
If Landlord Refuses a Move-In Inspection
Even if your landlord refuses to do a formal walk-through, you can still document the unit yourself. Take photos and video. Email them to the landlord with a note saying 'As discussed, I am documenting the pre-existing conditions.' This creates a written record.
How Move-In Documentation Helps at Move-Out
When your landlord claims you caused damage at move-out, your move-in photos showing that exact condition already existed are dispositive evidence. The landlord cannot charge you for something that was already there.