Side-by-side move-in comparison
Every step loads the matching move-in photo automatically. Damage is obvious. Deductions are defensible.
Move-out inspection
Move-out inspection app that defends every deposit decision
The move-out inspection is where the security deposit is won or lost. DoneTrace loads the move-in report next to the move-out record, forces photo proof on every damage step, and generates a PDF landlords, mediators, and courts accept without follow-up.
A move-out inspection without the move-in inspection next to it is a guess. Without proof photos, it is a losing guess. Most security-deposit disputes are won by whichever side has the clearer paper trail — and 'clear paper trail' now means time-stamped photos bound to a signed checklist, not a scanned handwritten form.
DoneTrace's move-out flow is designed for this reality. When you open the move-out inspection for a unit, the move-in photos load side by side, room by room. If a wall was clean at move-in and there is a hole at move-out, both photos sit together in the PDF with a caption, a timestamp, and a damage note. If the flooring had a scratch at move-in, the same scratch does not become a deposit deduction later.
The tenant can attend the move-out inspection in person or review the completed report on their phone via the share link. Either way, the record is timestamped, signed, and locked. The PDF is exported the moment the inspection is complete — no manual assembly, no missing photos, no arguments about what was documented.
What you get
Damage-specific step types
Mark a step as damage, capture repair estimate, attach receipts, and route to the deposit-decision summary.
Deposit-decision summary
The report auto-generates a summary page: what was baseline wear, what was tenant damage, what the estimated cost is.
Tenant sign-off flow
Tenant reviews and signs the completed move-out report from their phone — no account required.
Court-ready PDF
One-click PDF with cover page, comparison photos, damage notes, receipts, and both signatures.
Full inspection history
Every inspection on the unit is preserved — move-in, mid-lease, maintenance, move-out — for the full paper trail.
How it works
- Step 1
Open the unit's move-out inspection
DoneTrace loads the move-in report next to it automatically.
- Step 2
Walk the property, step by step
For each step, compare to the move-in photo. Photograph the current state. Flag damage.
- Step 3
Attach damage evidence and estimates
For each damage step, add the repair estimate or receipt so the deposit decision is documented.
- Step 4
Send for tenant sign-off
Tenant reviews the completed report via share link and signs on their phone. Both signatures are bound to the PDF.
Free download
The Move-out inspection sample pack (PDF)
Printable move-in, move-out and turnover checklists with an evidence column, plus a tenant sign-off page. Use them on-site immediately, or turn them into a photo-proof digital run on DoneTrace in one click.
- 40-item move-in checklist
- 38-item move-out checklist
- Turnover / make-ready template
- Tenant sign-off page
DoneTrace vs. traditional move-out inspection
| Capability | DoneTrace | Traditional / other apps |
|---|---|---|
| Move-in comparison built-in | Yes, side-by-side photos | Manual PDF stitching |
| Damage-decision summary | Auto-generated | Written by hand |
| Repair estimates attached in-line | Yes | Separate email thread |
| Tenant sign-off flow | One share link, any device | Print, sign, scan, email |
| Court/mediator acceptance | Timestamped + signed PDF | Depends on completeness |
| Cost | Free plan covers unlimited move-outs | $$ per report or seat |
Common scenarios
Standard end-of-lease move-out
Full unit walkthrough with tenant present and dual sign-off.
Tenant-abandoned unit
Solo inspection with heavy photo evidence for court filings.
Partial move-out (roommate change)
Scoped inspection for the shared room and shared common areas.
Post-eviction turnover
Damage-focused inspection with repair estimates attached in-line.
Insurance-claim move-out
Damage-report inspection with the adjuster as a share-link viewer.
Frequently asked questions
How is a move-out inspection different from a move-in inspection?
The move-out inspection compares the current condition to the baseline captured at move-in. DoneTrace loads the move-in report side by side so damage is obvious rather than argued.
Do I have to give the tenant notice of the move-out inspection?
Most jurisdictions require written notice — often 24 to 48 hours — and give the tenant the right to be present. DoneTrace's share-link flow makes it easy to send the completed report even when the tenant cannot attend.
What counts as normal wear and tear vs damage?
Normal wear is the deterioration expected from ordinary use — minor carpet wear, small nail holes, faded paint. Damage is beyond that — burns, holes, stains, missing fixtures. DoneTrace lets you mark each step as baseline wear or damage so the deposit decision is documented step by step.
Can I attach repair estimates to the report?
Yes. Every damage step accepts photo evidence, notes, and file attachments — including PDFs of estimates and receipts. They land in the exported report alongside the photos.
Is a DoneTrace move-out PDF accepted in small-claims court?
The PDF is a time-stamped, signed inspection record with photo evidence per step. Mediators and small-claims courts have accepted this format in deposit disputes. DoneTrace does not provide legal advice — check your local rules.
How long should I keep the move-out record?
At least as long as your local statute of limitations on deposit disputes, typically 2–7 years. DoneTrace retains completed inspections on paid plans; export the PDF to your own storage for indefinite retention.
Turn every move-out into a defensible record
Free move-out inspection template. Photo proof per step. Move-in comparison included. Start free.
Related
Move-in inspections
The paired baseline record — required for a fair move-out.
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Property inspection software
How DoneTrace works across every inspection type.
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Inspection templates
Starter checklists for every property workflow.
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Property inspection checklists
Browse 16+ ready-to-run checklist variants.
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Pricing
Free, Pro, Team, and Operations plans.
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FAQ
How photo proof, sharing, and PDFs work.
Learn more →