Move-in inspection
A walk-through with the tenant at move-in, documenting the condition of the unit. Protects both sides when it's time to return the security deposit.
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Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
The move-in inspection report is what a deposit dispute is decided on, and when a rental is sold the buyer inherits both the deposit and the report. A missing report makes the deposit hard to keep any part of.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
Your tenant's move-in checklist from 2022 notes a scratched floor and a working dishwasher. It goes to the buyer with the lease at closing.
| What exists | What it does later |
|---|---|
| A signed move-in report with photos | Damage beyond it can be charged to the deposit |
| No report | Most of the deposit goes back, whatever the unit looks like |
| The report handed to the buyer at closing | The buyer can settle the deposit fairly when the tenant leaves |
The move-in report is the deposit's evidence, and it travels with the property.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That the seller can keep the deposit for damage they saw. The deposit and its evidence go to the buyer; the tenant settles with them.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
In your Room, this word explains itself where it appears.
Your Room defines move-in inspection in the step you meet it in, beside the document or the date it belongs to. Free to set up, with an agent or on your own.
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