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How-To Guides

Don't Hand Back the Keys Until You've Done This Move-Out Inspection

A move-out inspection done properly prevents most deposit disputes before they start. Use this room-by-room checklist, whether you are the tenant or the landlord.

By Logic04 April 2026 2 min read

The end of a tenancy is where most deposit disagreements begin. A structured move-out inspection — ideally with both landlord and tenant present — turns a vague argument about "the state of the place" into a line-by-line comparison against how the property looked at the start.

Before inspection day

  • Find the original check-in inventory and any photos from move-in
  • Re-read the tenancy agreement for cleaning or decorating obligations
  • Agree a date and time for a joint inspection in writing
  • Tenants: fix what you can, clean thoroughly and remove all belongings

How to photograph the property

  1. Start with a wide shot of each room from the doorway.
  2. Photograph walls, floors, ceilings and windows, then each item on the inventory.
  3. Take close-ups of anything damaged — and of anything that was already damaged at move-in.
  4. Keep original files with their date information, or record a continuous video walkthrough.

Room-by-room checklist

Kitchen

  • Oven, hob and extractor cleaned, including trays and filters
  • Fridge and freezer emptied, defrosted and cleaned
  • Cupboards and drawers empty and wiped
  • Worktops, sink and taps free of marks and limescale
  • Appliances listed on the inventory present and working

Bathroom

  • Toilet, bath, shower and basin cleaned
  • Sealant and grout checked for mould
  • Extractor fan clean and working
  • No leaks under sinks or around the toilet

Living areas and bedrooms

  • Walls: marks, holes from fixings, scuffs
  • Floors and carpets: stains, burns, wear in walkways
  • Furniture on the inventory present and undamaged
  • Curtains, blinds and light fittings intact
  • Windows, locks and handles working

General

  • All keys, fobs and access cards returned
  • Meter readings recorded with photos
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms present
  • Outdoor areas, bins and storage cleared

Wear and tear versus damage

Normal wear — light scuffs, faded paint, flattened carpet in doorways — generally is not chargeable, and more wear is expected after a longer tenancy. Damage such as burns, large stains, broken fixtures or unauthorised decorating usually is. Discuss borderline items at the inspection rather than weeks later.

After the inspection

  • Landlords: send an itemised list of any proposed deductions with evidence and costs.
  • Tenants: respond item by item, in writing, with your own photos.
  • Both: keep every message. If you cannot agree, see our guide to tenancy deposit dispute evidence.

End the tenancy with a record, not just a refund

A tenant who leaves a home in excellent condition, and a landlord who returns a deposit promptly and fairly, both deserve credit the next time they rent. RRSource lets both sides build a portable Reputation Record so good conduct is not forgotten the moment the keys are handed back.

Deposit return deadlines and dispute processes vary by country and region.

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