Rental Property Inspection Checklist Templates

Capture photo evidence of property condition and perform efficient rental inspections with digital checklists, templates, and forms.

||rental inspection checklist

Rental Inspection Checklist Template

A rental inspection checklist is used by landlords or property managers to assess the condition of rental properties such as homes and apartments . This is to look out for areas that may need action (i.e needs cleaning, needs repairing, or needs replacing) . The inspection checklist helps you do the following:

  1. Perform an overall inspection of the property from rooms to utilities and furniture
  2. Take photos of the damage identified or the overall condition of the property
  3. Add comments and recommendations.
  4. Set and assign corrective measures through actions
  5. Complete the inspection by providing a digital signature
  6. Generate reports instantly and share them via formats of Weblink, PDF, Word, or CSV.

Check the following links to see a completed rental inspection report in Weblink and PDF.

Powered by

Rental Inspection Checklist

Published 20 Feb 2024 Article by Jairus Andales | 5 min read

What is a Rental Inspection Checklist?

A rental inspection checklist is a tool used by landlords or property managers to ensure that rental properties are in good condition before, during, and after the tenant’s occupation. Conducting a rental inspection involves a thorough visual check of the property’s rooms and exterior.

What Should I Expect From a Rental Inspection?

The tenant should expect to be notified in advance according to applicable local regulations before a routine rental inspection is to be conducted by a property manager.

The property manager will visit and conduct a visual check of the area to ensure that the rental property is in good condition and maintained by the tenants according to the rental agreement. The spaces include the living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, bedroom, and other features of the property such as heating/cooling systems, parking areas, porch, etc.

Both the tenant and the property inspector can benefit from using a rental inspection checklist (that can be printed as PDF if needed) to ensure that every feature of the property stays in good condition.

What Should be Included in a Rental Inspection Checklist?

When performing a rental inspection, it is best to utilize a checklist as a guide to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. As mentioned above, here are some key items to include in a rental inspection checklist, along with the specific areas to inspect:

Also do a check of other features of the property such as the heating system, air conditioning, stairs, hallways, lawns, patios or decks, parking areas, and porches, to complete the comprehensive inspection.

How to Use the Rental Inspection Checklist

When conducting a rental inspection, it is critical to use a highly-configurable platform that allows for easy data-entry using portable devices such as mobile phones or tablets. It is also ideal to use readily available documents that include all the property areas that inspectors need to check so as to avoid missing anything during the process.

Steps to Using the Rental Inspection Checklist

An efficient rental inspection checklist follows these steps:

  1. List down all the items – Assess all the items listed under each property area. These areas commonly include the living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, bedroom, and others. If there’s a missing item that needed checking, modify them as needed to conform to the property to be inspected.
  2. Declare the status of each item – This is the part where inspectors can highlight whether the property is in a good shape or not. Emphasize the condition of each listed item by choosing between the options of Good, Needs Action, or N/A.
  3. Attach photo/video as evidence – Since rental inspections are particularly visual, it is essential to add photos or videos as tangible proof of good condition, issues, or repair needs so that they are all well-documented.
  4. Indicate an action – If an inspection item needs immediate countermeasure, create an action and describe what should be done to improve the condition of that specific property area.
  5. Complete the report – Finalize the inspection by completing the report with a digital signature from the landlord, property manager, or other inspectors.

3 Types of Property Inspection

Property managers and landlords use rental inspection checklist templates during rental inspections to ensure that key areas of the property are checked and in good condition. Here are the three most common types of rental inspections a property manager will perform and the key areas of focus during the inspection:

1. Rental Property Inspection

A rental property inspection checks the overall condition of a rental property to determine whether it’s livable or not. Thoroughly check every aspect of the property and take note of potential damages such as scratches/ marks on walls or floors, holes in the ceiling or walls, damaged window sills, door frames, etc. Conducting rental inspections on a quarterly basis is an effective way to show the commitment of property managers and landlords to maintaining the good condition of rental spaces.

2. Tenant Move-in Inspection

A tenant move-in inspection is conducted with the presence of the tenant. Performing this inspection documents any damage present before occupancy and can be used as reference to compare during the end of tenant’s occupancy. The items in this checklist cover the same as a regular rental inspection checklist but will be signed by both landlord and tenant.

3. Move out Inspection

A move out inspection is done after the tenancy period is over to review the property’s condition. Information collected using a rental inspection form can be included in the formal agreement between the landlord and tenant that assures accountability for damages found (if any) that were not present during the move-in.

FAQs about Rental Inspection Checklists

What is the purpose of preparing an inspection checklist before you inspect a rental unit?

The purpose of preparing an inspection checklist before inspecting a rental unit is to ensure a systematic and thorough evaluation of the property’s condition. By creating a checklist in advance, you have a detailed list of items and areas to inspect, allowing you to methodically go through each point and document any issues or concerns you may find.

Who uses rental inspection checklists?

Rental inspection checklists are typically used by landlords, property managers, or their representatives who are responsible for conducting inspections of rental units. Although primarily used by owners, rental inspection checklists are also a valuable record for tenants since they provide proper documentation on the state of the property before, during, and after the tenant’s occupancy.

How often should rental inspections be conducted?

In general, conducting at least one move-in inspection and one move-out inspection is recommended to document the condition of the rental unit at the beginning and end of the tenancy. Additionally, periodic inspections every 6-12 months or as specified by local regulations can help ensure the property is well-maintained and address any issues proactively.

Creating an Inspection Checklist with SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)

SafetyCulture is the world’s most powerful checklist app. Landlords and property managers can use this to perform paperless rental inspections using either a smartphone or tablet device. Key benefits include the ability for you to:

Top Rental Inspection Checklists

Inspection template Powered by

Apartment Inspection Checklist Template

Landlords or property managers can use this apartment inspection checklist to perform a move-in inspection with the tenant. Record the overall condition of the apartment upon moving in and compare with a move-out report after the tenancy period. Capture electronic signatures of the tenant and landlord. This can also be used as a quarterly rental inspection checklist to show tenants that the property managers are committed to maintaining the good condition of rental properties.

Inspection template Powered by

Landlord Inspection Checklist Template

This rental property inspection checklist can help serve as a formal agreement that helps reinforce accountability on both parties regarding damage in the rental property during the move-out of a tenant. A move out inspection form is a tool used by landlords or property managers to conduct an inspection after the tenancy period. Compare the current condition of the property to its previous state and determine security deposits.

Jairus Andales

Article by SafetyCulture Content Specialist

Jai Andales is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. As a content specialist, she creates well-researched articles about health and safety topics. She is also passionate about empowering businesses to utilize technology in building a culture of safety and quality.

Explore more templates

Apartment Inspection Checklist Template

Landlords or property managers can use this apartment inspection checklist to perform a move-in inspection with the tenant. Record the overall condition of the apartment upon moving in and compare with a move-out report after the tenancy period. Capture electronic signatures of the tenant and landlord. This can also be used as a quarterly rental inspection checklist to show tenants that the property managers are committed to maintaining the good condition of rental properties.

Landlord Inspection Checklist Template

This rental property inspection checklist can help serve as a formal agreement that helps reinforce accountability on both parties regarding damage in the rental property during the move-out of a tenant. A move out inspection form is a tool used by landlords or property managers to conduct an inspection after the tenancy period. Compare the current condition of the property to its previous state and determine security deposits.