In this article:

• What is a move-out checklist?
• Why is a move-out checklist important?
• What’s included in a moving-out checklist?
• How do you record the condition of a rental property?
• What are common move-out inspection mistakes to avoid?

According to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2018, many renters need to plan their moves quickly — 52% of renters know for less than three months they will need to find a new place — which can make the moving-out process stressful for both landlords and tenants. Use our downloadable move-out checklist to help streamline the inspection process, so you can start screening new tenants to fill the vacancy.

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. Zillow, Inc. does not make any guarantees about the sufficiency of the information in or linked to from this guide or that it’s compliant with current, applicable or local laws. Landlord-tenant laws change rapidly and may be regulated at the federal, state and local levels. This resource is not a substitute for the advice or service of an attorney; you should not rely on this resource for any purpose without consulting with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

What is a move-out checklist?

A move-out checklist is a form landlords use to check the condition of a rental property once a tenant is ready to move out. Landlords can use the checklist as they go from room to room, comparing the condition to what was documented during the move-in inspection and making note of any new damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Why is a move-out checklist important?

The results from the move-out checklist can help determine if any portion of the tenant’s security deposit may be used for cleaning or repairs. The move-out inspection form also helps reduce the likelihood of disputes between the tenant and landlord, since preexisting damage is documented in a move-in checklist.

Tip: When signing a new tenant, specify in the lease agreement responsibilities of the tenant and landlord in order to keep the rental in good condition. In select states, you can use Zillow Rental Manager to easily create, modify and sign a lease with your renter — all online. 

What’s included in a moving-out checklist?

Our moving-out checklist is organized with a separate section for each room within the rental property so you can easily perform a thorough inspection. The move-out checklist includes:

• Inspection items broken down by room

• Columns to keep track of repair costs

• Extra fields to personalize the inspection for your property's features

• Fields for your tenants’ forwarding address(es) so you can follow up if needed

• Signature lines for up to three tenants

Tip: If you have additional bedrooms or bathrooms, print extra copies of pages 2 or 3 from the download as needed.

How do you record the condition of a rental property?

It’s easy to overlook small things during the tenant move-out inspection. You can use the shorthand in the key below to note issues such as the condition of the carpet, cracked bathroom tiles or marks on the wall. 

Tip: You can log more detailed notes in the comments section below each room. Consider taking photos to attach with the form as well.
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What are common move-out inspection mistakes to avoid?

A rental move-out checklist can be valuable for landlords and tenants if used correctly. Here are some common mistakes landlords make when it comes time to do a move-out inspection:

• Prematurely telling tenants they’ll get their full security deposit back before completing the move-out inspection
• Not communicating the inspection and move-out schedule ahead of time with the tenant 
• Forgetting to document charges

Once your tenant has moved out, the process begins again: Find a great tenant, execute a rental lease agreement, complete a move-in checklist and hand over the keys. Stay organized during this busy time with Zillow Rental Manager, the easiest way to manage your listing, handle tenant applications and collect rent payments online.