Checklist for a Rental Property Walk-Through
A rental property walk-through prior to moving in can protect both tenant and landlord from unexpected repair charges. The walk-through, ideally done with both parties present, is when new tenants inspect the premises and use a checklist to make note of any existing damage so the landlord will not hold them accountable for those repairs upon moving out. This is a good time for all parties to get to know one another's expectations for proper rental property maintenance to avoid costly misunderstandings later.
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Components
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A thorough rental walk-through checklist will include a section for each room or area of the property. If the rental is a house, the list should have a section for each room indoors, the basement, the attic, and the front and back yards. If a garage or storage shed is part of the rental, it should be on the list as well. Each section should be customized with items particular to the room. For example, a bathroom checklist section will include tub, shower and sink, as well as flooring, ceiling, walls, lights, windows and door. A bedroom should list the latter six items, but also the closet, carpet and any furnishings included in that room. Tenants can note Intangibles such as strong odors, as well as evidence of insect or rodent infestation, at the bottom of the page or in a "Comments" section of the checklist.
Comments
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While walking through each room, the landlord and tenants should assess the items on the checklist line by line. If the item is undamaged, writing a comment such as "good" on the line beside it will show, for the record, that all parties inspected and concurred on its condition. However, if an item is damaged, detailed notes beside that item will remind the landlord later exactly what type of damage was present before the tenants moved in. Taking good notes will help identify any new damages for which the new tenants are responsible. All parties should initial each page of the checklist as they complete it, and sign the final page.
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Stipulations
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Some items in a rental property will be difficult to assess during a walk-through. It may take time to determine whether a fireplace burns cleanly, for instance. The rental checklist should have a "stipulated in good working order" page where the landlord certifies that particular items are working prior to move-in. In many states, these stipulations are written into landlord-tenant law. Roofing, plumbing, electricity, fireplaces or wood stoves, and appliances are all items the landlord should agree to keep in good working order, unless the tenants damage them during use.
Considerations
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If either the landlord or the tenant cannot be present at the walk-through, photographs can substantiate any damage notations. A broken window or a water-stained ceiling is less likely to be disputed by either party later when photographs provide proof of damage. The photos should be clearly labeled and taken in the context of the room where the damage exists, with a room shot and close-up both showing the damaged area.
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References
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