Move-in inspection — what do you actually need to document?

The goal: have a defensible record at move-out that establishes the unit's condition at move-in. Minimum package:

**Photo set (best practice: video walkthrough + photos):**
- Every room from each corner
- Floors close-up (any existing scratches, stains)
- Walls close-up (any holes, marks)
- Inside of cabinets and closets
- All appliances (interior and exterior)
- Bathroom fixtures (toilet, sink, tub, grout lines)
- HVAC unit, water heater, electrical panel
- Outdoor areas if part of the lease (balcony, parking, storage)

**Written inspection report:**
- Date, address, unit number
- Names of landlord, tenant, any witnesses
- Room-by-room condition notes
- Signed and dated by BOTH parties (best — but at minimum signed by you with notes that the tenant declined to sign if applicable)

**Other key items:**
- Working condition of all appliances (run them briefly)
- Smoke and CO detector battery test (mandatory)
- Keys: how many issued, to whom, condition
- Meter readings (if utilities are tenant's responsibility)

**Critical:** Email the photos + report to the tenant within 7 days and ask for any corrections within 14 days. "No reply = accepted" is a strong record if there's later dispute.

LandlordEzy's digital inspection workflow handles all of this with timestamps + tenant approval. Free tier includes basic inspections.