Mastering The Art Of An Apartment Move-Out Inspection: Essential Tips And Best Practices

Apartment move-out inspections are a crucial part of moving out of an apartment. They can be daunting for property managers if they’ve never completed one. For residents, they can prove to be even more stressful. 

If you want to conduct the ideal inspection or learn more about why these inspections are necessary, our essential tips and best practices provide all the answers while helping you master the art of the move-out inspection.

According to a survey, about 41% of residents get their full deposit back after moving out of their apartment. These inspections play a vital role in determining whether a resident gets their security deposit back or if there is enough reason to keep some or all of the deposit to fix any issues left behind. 

What Is An Apartment Move-Out Inspection?

An apartment move-out inspection is a thorough rental property inspection conducted by the resident and the property manager before the former moves out. This inspection determines the state a resident left their apartment in. It also determines whether the property manager will return all, some, or none of their security deposit.

The outcome of the move-out inspection hinges on the apartment’s condition and any damages that might have occurred while the resident lived there. 

During the move-out inspection, the property manager, and often the resident, walk through the apartment while reviewing any apparent issues in each room. This includes but is not limited to, damage to walls, floors, appliances, fixtures, and any other areas, like balconies or porches, included in the lease agreement. 

Some common issues in these inspections include stains on the carpet, holes in the wall, missing fixtures, broken window panes, and more. The property manager documents any issues and compares them with the apartment’s state when the resident first moved in. 

The property manager must accurately document the damages so residents can understand deductions from the security deposit.

Why Is An Apartment Move-Out Inspection Needed?

Conducting a thorough move-out inspection as a manager is critical for several reasons. Here are some of the most essential advantages of carrying out these inspections: 

Maintaining The Property’s Condition

Perhaps, the most important reason to carry out an apartment move-out inspection is to maintain the property’s condition. 

As a property manager, this inspection ensures that the apartment is in the best condition for the next resident, maintaining the high standard necessary to attract renters.

These inspections help managers immediately address maintenance or repair issues rather than dealing with them after a new resident moves in. This saves time, effort, and resources.

Sets Resident Expectations

Move-out inspections also help set resident expectations. Knowing there will be an inspection after they move out ensures they do what they can to keep the unit in the best possible shape. 

These inspections make residents aware of their responsibilities and ensure they know what to do before vacating the apartment. 

Maximizes Security Deposit Returns

Knowing the ins and outs of inspections means that residents can maximize the return of their security deposit. While being financially beneficial to the resident, it also means that they leave the property feeling more satisfied with their time living there. Satisfied residents are more likely to refer friends and family to work with the property management company.

How To Conduct An Apartment Move-Out Inspection Like A Pro

There are a few simple steps that make conducting an apartment move-out inspection a reasonably straightforward process. They are: 

1. Schedule The Move-Out Inspection

The first step is to contact the resident well in advance to schedule a convenient time for the move-out inspection. The property manager must provide a reasonable notice period to allow the resident to prepare the apartment and ensure both parties are happy with the meeting time. 

It’s also important to send the resident an inspection reminder, letting them know what to expect and how long the inspection will take. 

2. Create An Inspection Checklist

Property managers next should create a comprehensive move-out inspection checklist that covers all essential areas and items they intend to assess.

They use this move-out checklist while completing the inspection, ensuring they thoroughly examine all the items on the list. Some of these items may include: 

• Walls, floors, and ceilings 
• Light fixtures and switches
• Smoke detectors 
• Kitchen counters and floors
• Carpets 
• Windows and blinds 
• General cleanliness 

3. Conduct A Thorough Inspection

The most crucial step on the apartment move-out inspection list is conducting the inspection. Typically, the manager meets the resident at the apartment or, in some cases, enters the apartment after the resident moves out. They then walk through each room.

With a checklist in hand, the property manager takes notes and photographs of any issues or examples of damage to the walls, flooring, carpet, etc. 

Most property managers like to have the resident with them during the inspection so that it’s obvious what the context of each issue is. 

4. Communicate Findings And Responsibilities

After the inspection, the manager must review the findings with the resident. They should share with them what damages or cleaning requirements are needed and how they impact the security deposit. 

5. Provide a Move-Out Inspection Report

Lastly, the property manager prepares a move-out inspection report. The move-out inspection report should offer a side-by-side comparison with the initial move-in inspection report. The comparison makes it easy to understand the damages or issues that arose during the tenancy. The report should also include notes, photographs, and the agreed-upon resolution for the damages. 

If the resident has time to fix the damages, the manager may need to assess some of the points on this list for a final inspection. 

Move-Out Inspections Got You Down? Use RentCheck!

Mastering the art of the move-out inspection can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process for property managers and residents alike. Luckily, RentCheck offers a streamlined and simplified service that makes the paperwork and checklists easy. 

If you’re ready to simplify your move-out inspections, sign up for RentCheck for free and develop a fair and efficient move-out process for managers and residents.

‍