Free Template
Move-In Condition Report
Document the condition of every room before you move in. Protect your security deposit with timestamped evidence both parties can reference.
Used by California landlords and tenants. Compliant with Civil Code §1950.5.
Why Move-In Documentation Matters
For Tenants
$4,200
Average security deposit in California. Without documentation, you risk losing it to pre-existing damage claims.
For Owners
73%
of deposit disputes lack documentation from either side. A signed condition report protects you from frivolous claims.
California Civil Code §1950.5 governs security deposits and requires landlords to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 21 days of move-out. A move-in condition report creates the baseline both parties agree on — without one, disputes become “your word against mine.”
Whether you’re a tenant protecting your deposit or an owner documenting unit condition, this checklist ensures nothing is missed.
Room-by-Room Checklist
Check off each item as you inspect. For anything not in perfect condition, note the issue and take a photo. This becomes your evidence.
Kitchen 0/8
Living Room 0/7
Bedroom(s) 0/8
Bathroom(s) 0/10
General & Exterior 0/10
Laundry 0/5
Notes & Issues Found
Download the Printable PDF
Get the complete move-in condition report as a printable PDF. Includes:
- All 60 inspection items by room
- Space for notes and photo references
- Signature lines for tenant and owner
- Date and property address fields
- California Civil Code §1950.5 reference
Works for both move-in and move-out inspections. Print two copies — one for each party.
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How to Take Move-In Photos That Hold Up
Photos are your strongest evidence. Follow these rules to make them count:
Use your phone’s camera
Photos include embedded timestamps and GPS coordinates in the EXIF data. This metadata proves when and where the photo was taken.
Wide shot + close-up
Take a wide shot of each room, then close-ups of any damage or wear. Context + detail makes the evidence clear.
Include a reference object
Place a coin or pen next to damage to show scale. A scratch looks different in person than in a photo — give viewers perspective.
Email photos to yourself immediately
Creates a second timestamped copy in your email with a date you can prove. Cloud backups can be modified — email receipts cannot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a move-in inspection legally required in California?
California law does not require a move-in inspection, but it does require landlords to offer a pre-move-out inspection (Civil Code §1950.5(f)). However, a move-in condition report is strongly recommended by the California Department of Consumer Affairs and serves as the baseline for any deposit dispute. Without one, either party is at a disadvantage.
Should both the tenant and landlord sign it?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the report, and each should keep a copy. This establishes mutual agreement on the condition of the unit. If the landlord does not sign, the tenant should still complete and date their own report with photos — a one-sided record is better than none.
How long do I have to complete the inspection?
Complete the inspection on the day you receive keys, ideally before moving any belongings in. If that’s not possible, complete it within the first 48 hours. The closer to key handover, the stronger your documentation — delays give the other party room to dispute the timeline.
What happens at move-out?
California landlords must allow tenants to request a pre-move-out inspection. The landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 21 days of move-out (Civil Code §1950.5). With a signed move-in report, any dispute can be settled by comparing move-in condition to move-out condition — objectively.
Automate move-in inspections for every unit
LeaseBase™ gives your tenants a digital move-in report with timestamped photos, co-signatures, and automatic storage — no paper, no lost files.
Free for your first 3 units. No credit card required.