Apartment Walkthrough Checklist: The Ultimate Guide for Renters

Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but it can quickly turn stressful if you don’t properly document the condition of the unit. An apartment walkthrough checklist is your most important tool for protecting your security deposit and avoiding disputes with your landlord. Whether you’re moving in or moving out, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about conducting a thorough inspection.

Why You Need an Apartment Walkthrough Checklist

Many renters skip the walkthrough process or rush through it, only to regret it later when their security deposit is withheld. A proper walkthrough checklist serves several critical purposes:

• Protects your security deposit: Documents pre-existing damage so you’re not charged for it later
• Creates legal documentation: Provides evidence in case of disputes with your landlord
• Sets clear expectations: Establishes what condition the apartment should be in when you move out
• Identifies maintenance needs: Ensures repairs are completed before you move in
• Prevents misunderstandings: Creates a shared understanding between tenant and landlord

Remember that security deposit disputes are one of the most common issues between landlords and tenants. In states like California, specific laws like California Civil Code 1950.5 govern how security deposits must be handled, making proper documentation even more important.

When to Use Your Walkthrough Checklist

You should conduct walkthroughs at two key times during your tenancy:

1. Move-in inspection: Conduct this within the first few days of moving in, ideally with your landlord present
2. Move-out inspection: Schedule this a few days before your lease ends to identify any cleaning or repairs needed

Some landlords also conduct periodic inspections during your tenancy, but these are typically less detailed than the initial and final walkthroughs. If you’re approaching the end of your lease and haven’t received renewal information, check out our guide on what to do when your landlord hasn’t sent a lease renewal.

Complete Apartment Walkthrough Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist during your walkthrough. Print multiple copies—one for you and one for your landlord—and check each item carefully.

General Areas

• Walls: Look for holes, cracks, stains, or peeling paint
• Ceilings: Check for water stains, cracks, or sagging
• Floors: Inspect for stains, scratches, or damage to flooring
• Windows: Test operation, check for cracks, ensure locks work
• Doors: Test locks, check for proper closing, inspect frames
• Light fixtures: Test all switches and bulbs
• Electrical outlets: Test all outlets with a phone charger
• Smoke detectors: Test and note battery status
• Carbon monoxide detectors: Test if present
• Thermostat: Test heating and cooling functions

Kitchen Inspection

1. Appliances: Test refrigerator, oven, stove, microwave, and dishwasher
2. Cabinets and drawers: Check for damage, proper operation, and cleanliness
3. Countertops: Look for stains, burns, or damage
4. Sink: Test water flow and drainage, check for leaks
5. Garbage disposal: Test if present
6. Ventilation: Test range hood or exhaust fan

Bathroom Inspection

• Toilet: Flush to check proper operation and leaks
• Shower/tub: Test water pressure and drainage, check for mold or mildew
• Sink: Test faucets and drainage
• Vanity: Check cabinets and drawers
• Ventilation: Test exhaust fan
• Mirrors: Check for cracks or damage

Bedrooms and Living Areas

1. Closets: Check shelves, rods, and doors
2. Carpet/flooring: Look for stains or damage
3. Windows: Test operation and locks
4. Light fixtures: Test all switches
5. Electrical outlets: Test all outlets

Documentation Tips for Your Walkthrough

Simply checking boxes isn’t enough—you need proper documentation to protect yourself. Follow these essential documentation practices:

Documentation Method	Best Practices	Why It’s Important
Photos	Take clear, well-lit photos of every room and any damage	Visual evidence is difficult to dispute
Video Walkthrough	Record a continuous video with narration describing what you’re seeing	Provides context and shows the overall condition
Written Notes	Be specific—measurements, colors, exact locations of damage	Creates detailed written record
Date and Time Stamps	Ensure all media has correct date/time stamps	Proves when documentation was created

Make sure to document everything thoroughly, as this will be crucial if you need to understand eviction processes or other legal matters related to your tenancy.

What to Do After Your Walkthrough

Once you’ve completed your inspection, there are several important steps to take:

1. Review the checklist with your landlord: Go through each item together and agree on the condition
2. Sign and date the checklist: Both you and your landlord should sign all copies
3. Keep your copy safe: Store it with other important rental documents like your lease agreement
4. Request repairs in writing: If you find issues that need fixing, send a written request
5. Follow up on promised repairs: Keep records of all communication about repairs

If you’re dealing with a move-out walkthrough and planning to move, you might need to consider specialized moving services for particular items or calculate your moving costs if you’re relocating to another state.

Common Walkthrough Mistakes to Avoid

Many renters make these critical errors during their walkthroughs:

• Rushing through the process: Allow at least 30-60 minutes for a thorough inspection
• Not testing everything: Test every appliance, switch, and fixture
• Skipping documentation” Photos and videos are essential—don’t rely on memory
• Not having the landlord present: Always try to conduct the walkthrough together
• Forgetting to sign the checklist: An unsigned checklist has little legal value
• Ignoring small issues: Document even minor damage—it can become a bigger issue later

FAQs About Apartment Walkthrough Checklists

What happens if my landlord refuses to do a walkthrough with me?

If your landlord won’t participate, conduct the walkthrough yourself and document everything thoroughly with photos and video. Send a copy of your completed checklist to your landlord via certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates a paper trail showing you attempted to follow proper procedures.

Can I be charged for damage I didn’t cause?

Without proper documentation from your move-in walkthrough, you could be held responsible for pre-existing damage. That’s why the checklist is so important—it proves what condition the apartment was in when you moved in. Always keep copies of your signed walkthrough checklist.

How detailed should my walkthrough checklist be?

Extremely detailed. Don’t just write “wall damage”—specify “3-inch crack in living room wall near window, approximately 2 feet from floor.” Include measurements, colors, exact locations, and take photos from multiple angles. The more specific you are, the better protected you’ll be.

What if I find new damage after I’ve already moved in?

Most states give tenants a few days to complete their move-in inspection. If you discover damage after this period, document it immediately and notify your landlord in writing. While you may not have the same protection as with the initial walkthrough, written notice still creates important documentation.

Should I do a walkthrough for a month-to-month rental?

Yes, absolutely. The same rules apply regardless of your lease term. In fact, with month-to-month tenancies, proper documentation is even more important since either party can terminate with proper notice at any time.

What if my landlord tries to charge me for normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear (like minor carpet fading or small nail holes) is typically the landlord’s responsibility, while damage beyond normal use is the tenant’s. Your walkthrough documentation helps distinguish between the two. If you disagree with charges, you may need to pursue legal action in small claims court.

How long should I keep my walkthrough documentation?

Keep all walkthrough documentation, photos, and videos until at least one year after you’ve received your full security deposit back and any disputes are resolved. Some experts recommend keeping these records indefinitely, especially if you had any disputes with your landlord.

Can I use a digital checklist instead of paper?

Yes, digital checklists can be very effective, especially if they include photo upload capabilities and digital signatures. However, make sure you have backup copies and can easily share the completed checklist with your landlord. Whether digital or paper, the key is having a signed record that both parties agree on.