Move-out checklist
Move-out is where a good move-in report pays off. This checklist walks the unit in the same room-by-room order as the move-in walk-through so photos line up one-for-one. The output is a clean packet showing what the unit looked like at handover — which is exactly what a landlord needs to justify (or waive) any deduction from the security deposit.
Who it's for
Tenants moving out and protecting their deposit, landlords documenting return condition, property managers issuing standardized deposit-decision packets.
Key facts
- Mirrors the move-in checklist for direct comparison
- Photo proof of return condition per room
- Deposit-decision PDF ready for both parties
- Utility meter readings captured
The full checklist
- 1Pull the move-in report
Open the original move-in PDF alongside this new run so photos can be compared side-by-side.
- 2Meet at the unit — both parties
Landlord and tenant both walk. If tenant cannot attend, the landlord runs it and shares the packet the same day.
- 3Entry and locks
Every lock still works. All keys returned — log each.
- 4Room-by-room condition
Photograph walls, floors, ceilings, windows in the same order as move-in.
- 5Kitchen — cleanliness + appliances
Inside of fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher. Every appliance tested for damage.
- 6Bathrooms — cleanliness + fixtures
Photograph inside toilet, tub or shower, sink, exhaust vent.
- 7Flooring damage assessment
New scratches, stains, worn spots — compare to move-in shots.
- 8Wall damage assessment
Unpatched holes, unauthorized paint, adhesive residue.
- 9Windows, screens, blinds
All present, operable, intact.
- 10Smoke and CO detectors
Present and functional. Note if any are missing.
- 11Utility meter readings
Photograph meters on move-out day.
- 12Keys, remotes, fobs, codes returned
Every issued item accounted for. Log any missing.
- 13Damage summary
Add a summary note listing findings that will affect the deposit decision, with links to the photos in the packet.
- 14Both parties sign
Reviewer sign-off, or signatures on the exported PDF.
- 15Share the packet
Send to landlord, tenant, and (if applicable) property owner. Retain for the legal deposit-return window.
Pro tips
- Cleaning is different from repair — photograph both separately so a routine-cleaning charge doesn't get lumped into 'damage'.
- Meter readings on the same day close the utility-bill window cleanly.
- Deliver the deposit decision inside your state's legal timeline (commonly 14–30 days); the DoneTrace packet is the evidence the decision rests on.
Frequently asked
What if landlord and tenant disagree on damage?⌄
The paired move-in and move-out photos are the evidence. Most disputes resolve when both parties see the two photos side-by-side.
How long do I keep the move-out packet?⌄
At minimum, until the security-deposit dispute window in your state closes. Many landlords retain for the full statute-of-limitations period on lease claims.
Can this replace a formal notice?⌄
No. This is documentation. Any legal notice (deposit itemization, cure-or-quit) has its own requirements in your jurisdiction.
Run this checklist in DoneTrace
Every step is a photo-backed proof point. Get an audit-ready PDF the moment you finish.