The Move-In Inspection Checklist for PMs

A clean move-in inspection is the single highest-leverage hour of the tenancy. Done well, it sets the tone, prevents disputes at move-out, and shortens the time you spend mediating he-said-she-said in month eleven. Done badly — or skipped — it usually shows up as a security deposit fight a year later.

We run this exact checklist on every property walk-through we handle for managers across Boston and the South Shore.

Before you walk in

• Confirm utilities are on (lights, water, heat in season).
• Print two copies of the condition form — one for the tenant.
• Charge your phone; you will take 60–120 photos.
• Bring spare batteries for smoke and CO detectors.

Room-by-room

Entry & common areas

• Photograph the front door, lockset, deadbolt, and mail slot.
• Note scuffs on hallway walls and baseboards.
• Test the unit number plate and intercom buzzer.

Kitchen

• Run every burner; confirm the oven heats to 350°F.
• Open and photograph inside the fridge and freezer.
• Run the dishwasher for one minute; check for leaks underneath.
• Photograph all countertops at a low angle to capture chips.

Bathrooms

• Flush every toilet; confirm refill in under 60 seconds.
• Run hot water for two minutes at sink and shower.
• Photograph grout lines and any caulk separation.

Bedrooms & living

• Test every outlet with a plug tester.
• Open and close each window; confirm screens are intact.
• Photograph floors with raking light to show existing scratches.

Safety

• Press-test every smoke and CO detector.
• Note the location and pressure date of the fire extinguisher.
• Confirm window guards on units with children under 6 (MA law).

Closing the inspection

Walk the tenant through what you photographed, hand them the signed condition form, and email a PDF copy within 24 hours. If anything needs to be fixed, give a written ETA — not a verbal one.

Want this run for you on every turnover? That is exactly what our monthly retainer covers, and you can get in touch to walk through what your portfolio needs. For move-out, see our vendor walkthrough checklist.