Moving into a new home is exciting — and busy. Between hauling boxes and figuring out which key opens which lock, it's easy to let documentation slide. But the 30–45 minutes you spend doing a proper move-in inspection could save you hundreds of dollars when it's time to move out.
Here's what to document, how to do it right, and why it matters more than most renters realize.
Why the Move-In Inspection Matters
Your security deposit is tied directly to the condition of the unit when you leave — measured against its condition when you arrived. Without a record of pre-existing damage, any scuff, stain, or crack discovered at move-out could be attributed to you, even if it was there from day one.
A thorough, timestamped inspection report with photos is your evidence. It protects you from being charged for damage you didn't cause. It also protects us — disputes over deposits are among the most common landlord-tenant conflicts, and good documentation prevents them entirely.
Do It Room by Room
Work systematically through every room. For each space, check walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, light fixtures, outlets, and any built-in appliances or fixtures. Here's a quick room-by-room reference:
Photos Are Non-Negotiable
Written notes are good. Photos with timestamps are better. Walk through the unit and photograph any existing damage — no matter how minor — and any features or finishes you want on record. Your phone's camera is all you need.
A single photo of a scuff mark may not tell the full story. Take one from close up and one showing the context (which wall, how high). This makes it easier to identify later.
Don't edit or move photos out of your camera roll. The metadata embedded in original photos is timestamped and can serve as documentation if there's ever a dispute.
Upload to Google Photos, iCloud, or any cloud storage service that day. If your phone is lost or replaced, you want that record intact.
Submit Your Checklist Promptly
Most states — including Wisconsin — allow tenants a window of time after move-in to submit a written notice of pre-existing conditions. Don't let this window pass. Submit your completed checklist through the Tenant Portal or by email to our team so there's a record on both sides.
Once we receive your checklist, we log it against the move-in inspection we conduct before every tenancy. If there are discrepancies, we'll follow up with you directly. Getting this on record within the first few days protects everyone.
A small chip in the bathroom tile or a scuff by the front door might seem too minor to note — but those are exactly the items that come up at move-out. If it's already there, document it. Nothing is too small to photograph.
Taking the time to do a thorough move-in inspection is one of the smartest things you can do as a renter. It takes less than an hour, costs nothing, and gives you peace of mind for the entire length of your tenancy.