Did you know tenants are required to leave the premises they rent, in as good as or better shape then when they moved in? But how do you know what shape it was when they moved in?

That is where the move-in report comes into play. Having a detailed move-in report will save you in the long run. You will have written documentation to hold the tenant accountable to.

Take your time when conducting the move-in report, the more detailed you can be now, the more it will benefit you when the time comes to perform the move out inspection.

When conducting the move-in, it is best to start in one room of the house and move fluidly throughout the home. Often times it will be the living room, because it is typically the first room you enter. Remember the more detailed the better. Marking the living room as good just will not cut it.

Whether or not you want to start at the ceiling and work your way down, is completely your prerogative. Try to ensure you keep whatever sequence works best for you throughout the home. Check for cracks, discolorations, holes, rips, tears, etc.

Then look for the same things throughout the room. Document the condition of the floors; are there new hardwood floors or linoleum? Are there stains or worn areas on the carpet? Check all the windows and make sure they open and close, check the locking mechanism and screens.

Now continue on this path throughout the house, make sure to check all the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining room or area. Don’t forget basements, garages, and utility or laundry rooms as well.

The exterior of the home often gets over looked but it is imperative that the exterior condition gets acknowledged. They say a picture is worth a thousand words; as such, it is a tool that a savvy landlord would be wise to implement; during all move- in and move out reports.

When you have completed the move-in report; have your tenant look it over and check the information, make sure they sign and date it. Provide them a copy of the report and allow them a defined set of days to come back with anything that may have been missed. A hole in the wall reported two months later is not acceptable.

Hopefully you can see why conducting a complete and comprehensive move-in report really is crucial. You wont mistakenly charge your tenant for damage that was already present; and you wont have to bear the costs of any new damage when they leave.

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