How to Request a Rental Lease Termination Inventory Checklist

Review your move-out inventory checklist early and avoid unwanted fees.

An inventory checklist is used for rental properties both at the time of occupancy and termination of lease. Your landlord or property manager will give you an inventory checklist on your move-in date. You are responsible to walk through your rental and note any damages big or small (a cracked window or carpet stain, for instance), sign the checklist and return it to your landlord within the specified time. The same checklist is used upon termination of your lease to compare any damages incurred during your occupancy and to assess normal wear-and-tear and any repair fees deducted from your deposit.

Instructions

1. Look for a copy of your inventory checklist in your lease documentation. Many lease addendums include the form with columns for move-in and move-out conditions.

2. Contact your landlord/property manager in person, writing, email (if available) or by phone and request a copy of your move-out inventory checklist. Ask him to include a copy of your completed move-in inventory checklist so you can compare them.

3. Compare your move-in checklist data with the current condition of your rental.

4. Make any repairs (removing a carpet stain, for instance) for which you are responsible before the final walk-through by your landlord/property manager.

5. Ask your landlord/property manager if you can be present during the final walk-through as she completes the checklist and, if so, set an agreeable time. You can then discuss any damages found during the walk-through and request a copy of the findings.

6. Provide your forwarding address to your landlord/property manager with your final termination paperwork (if any) or when you turn in your keys. Legally, he has 30 days to return your full deposit if warranted, or partial deposit/bill with your move-out inventory checklist listing the damages for which you are billed.

Tips & Warnings

• Read your lease upon move-in and know who (you or your landlord/property manager) is responsible for which kinds of damages.

• Request repairs for which your landlord/property manager is responsible as soon as a problem arises throughout your tenancy. Don't wait until you are about to move out.

• Review your move-in inventory checklist at every lease end, even if you plan to renew. Repair anything for which you are responsible and submit a repair request to your landlord/property manager for anything else, if necessary. This will help you maintain your rental throughout your tenancy and simplify the move-out inventory checklist process when you do decide to terminate.

References

• Michigan.gov: Tenants and Landlords--A Practical Guide
• publiclegalforms.com: Rental Property Inspection Checklist