Move-out checklist
By Jenna Whitfield - updated
A move-out checklist records the condition of a rental when the tenant leaves, next to the condition on move-in day, so you can see what changed and what it costs to fix. Download the CSV for Excel, Google Sheets or Numbers, or print the blank checklist with the rooms and items already listed.
Download the free move-out checklist
Enter your email to get the CSV and the printable copy. The CSV opens in Excel, Google Sheets or Numbers.
The printable copy is blank, ready to fill in by hand or save as a PDF from your browser's print dialog. It is one portrait letter page with blank lines at the top for tenant, property, unit, move-out date, inspected by and forwarding address, and 21 rows, 20 of them already listing the rooms and items to check, with columns for room, item, condition at move-in, condition at move-out, beyond normal wear, repair cost and notes, plus a totals row.
A filled-in move-out checklist
Unit 2B at the Maple Street fourplex on September 15, 2026, the day A. Brooks moved out. Every item was in good condition at move-in. At move-out, 5 items show everyday wear and 3 are damaged beyond it: a pet stain on the carpet, a cracked mirror and broken blinds, with $260 of repairs in total.
| Room | Item | Condition at move-in | Condition at move-out | Beyond normal wear | Repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Front door, lock and doorbell | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Entry | Keys and remotes | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Living room | Walls and ceiling | Good | Fair | No | $0.00 |
| Living room | Floors or carpet | Good | Damaged | Yes | $180.00 |
| Living room | Windows, screens and blinds | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Living room | Lights, switches and outlets | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Kitchen | Refrigerator | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Kitchen | Stove, oven and hood | Good | Fair | No | $0.00 |
| Kitchen | Dishwasher | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Kitchen | Sink, faucet and disposal | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Kitchen | Cabinets and countertops | Good | Fair | No | $0.00 |
| Bathroom | Toilet | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Bathroom | Tub, shower and caulk | Good | Fair | No | $0.00 |
| Bathroom | Sink, vanity and mirror | Good | Damaged | Yes | $45.00 |
| Bedroom 1 | Walls, closet and doors | Good | Fair | No | $0.00 |
| Bedroom 1 | Floors or carpet | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Bedroom 1 | Windows, screens and blinds | Good | Damaged | Yes | $35.00 |
| Whole home | Smoke and CO alarms | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Whole home | Heating and air conditioning | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Whole home | Water heater | Good | Good | No | $0.00 |
| Total | $260.00 |
When to use a move-out checklist
Walk the home after the tenant has moved everything out and returned the keys, ideally with the tenant there. Bring the signed move-in checklist and its photos, and fill in the move-out condition for every line.
The checklist separates everyday wear, such as small nail holes and faded paint, from damage beyond it, such as a cracked mirror or a pet stain. The damage lines and their repair costs are the starting point for settling the security deposit. Deposit rules, including what may be deducted, how it must be itemized and the deadline to return it, vary by state, so check your state's rules before you deduct anything.
What a move-out checklist includes
- The tenant, property, unit and move-out date at the top, and the tenant's forwarding address.
- The same rooms and items as the move-in checklist, in the same order.
- The condition at move-in, copied from the signed move-in checklist.
- The condition at move-out for each item.
- Whether each change goes beyond normal wear.
- A repair cost for each damaged item, from a quote or an invoice, and a total.
- Notes and photo numbers for every change.
- The keys and remotes returned, and who did the inspection.
How to use this move-out checklist
The CSV holds a filled-in example for unit 2B at the invented Maple Street fourplex and blank rows for more items. The printable checklist lists the same 20 rooms and items as the move-in checklist, with a totals row for repair costs.
- Download the CSV or print the blank checklist, and add any lines your move-in checklist had beyond the 20 listed.
- Copy the condition at move-in for each item from the signed move-in checklist.
- Walk the empty home after the keys come back, in the same room order, and mark the condition at move-out.
- For each change, decide whether it goes beyond normal wear and write a note on what, where and how big.
- Take dated photos of every change and write the photo numbers on the lines.
- Get a quote or an invoice for each repair and enter the cost on its line.
- Total the repair costs and keep the checklist, photos and invoices together with the lease.
Common move-out checklist mistakes
- Inspecting without the move-in checklist. The change on each item is what matters, so the starting condition has to be on the page.
- Counting everyday wear as damage. Small nail holes, light scuffs and paint faded by sun come with years of normal living.
- Guessing repair costs. Use a quote or an invoice, and keep it with the checklist.
- Leaving out the photo numbers, which makes it hard to show the tenant what each line refers to.
- Waiting weeks to inspect. Walk the home as soon as the keys come back, before cleaners or contractors start.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as normal wear and tear?
The decline that comes from living in a home: small nail holes, light scuffs, carpet worn along walkways, paint faded by sun. Damage is harm beyond that, such as a cracked mirror, a pet stain or a hole in a wall. Your state may define it more precisely, so check its rules.
Should the tenant be at the move-out inspection?
It helps. Walking the home together lets the tenant see each note and photo, and many questions get answered on the spot. If they cannot come, take thorough dated photos and send them a copy of the checklist.
How does the move-out checklist relate to the security deposit?
The damage lines and their repair costs are the basis for any deduction. In the example, $260 of repairs is listed item by item with photos. The rules on what you may deduct, how to itemize it and when to return the deposit vary by state.
Can I use this checklist without a move-in checklist?
Yes, but the move-in column will be blank, so the record of what changed is weaker. Start each new tenancy with the move-in checklist, which lists the same rooms and items.
Plan move-outs in KeyRing
KeyRing lets you end a lease and schedule a move-out, and keeps the lease, its documents and your inspection photos filed with the property and unit. Your first subscription starts with a 14-day free trial.