Keywords included: rental move-in checklist, move-out procedures, property turnover tips
Why Have Move-In & Move-Out Checklists?
Protects security deposits: Documenting condition through detailed checklists and timestamped photos safeguards tenants and landlords from disputes.
Complies with California law: In San Diego County, it's also required by law to provide documentation and evidence of repairs made for any security deposit deductions! Landlords must provide itemized deposit returns within 21 days and offer pre-move-out walkthroughs
Speeds up turnover: Clear move-out procedures reduce vacancies and maximize revenue
✅ Rental Move-In Checklist (for Tenants & Landlords)
Timing: Use it during the initial walkthrough—ideally on or within a few days of move-in .
What to include:
Tenant details, lease start date, and utility status
Room-by-room condition: Walls, flooring, ceilings, doors, windows, screens, outlets, lighting, smoke/CO detectors, appliances, plumbing
Exterior areas: Yard, patios, walkways.
Notation system: Use clear markers like S (Satisfactory), NR (Needs Repair)
Photographic evidence: Both parties should take timestamped photos/videos
Signatures: Both tenant and landlord/managing agent sign to acknowledge accuracy.
🧹 Move-Out Procedures (Landlord & Tenant Guide)
1. Notice & Pre-Walkthrough
Offer a pre-move-out inspection 7–14 days before move-out to highlight issues and give tenants time to correct them
Tenant can attend or skip; but landlords must give 48 hours’ notice and document the inspection
2. Final Inspection
Conduct with tenant (if present) or alone and leave documentation behind.
Compare findings with move-in records; differentiate ordinary wear and tear from damage. This is where it's good to have completed a documented pre move-in inspection to compare.
3. Cleaning & Repairs
Tenant responsible for cleaning (kitchen, bathrooms), minor maintenance (changing bulbs, HVAC filters), and depending on the terms of your lease, yard upkeep.
Landlord handles structural, safety, and habitability repairs.
4. Security Deposit Return
Must return deposit or notify deductions within 21 days, including itemized list and receipts
Ensure forwarding address is provided prior to the tenant moving out.
5. Property Readiness
Once vacated, perform deep cleaning, paint touch-ups, HVAC check, pest control, and yard maintenance
Change locks and replace batteries as needed to secure turnover
🧩 Property Turnover Tips
Schedule tasks proactively: Align cleaning, painting, and vendor availability between leases to minimize vacancy gaps .
Document everything: Capture before/after photos, copies of checklists, invoices—essential for deposit disputes
Communicate early & clearly: Notify tenants of next steps after notice, share checklists, and confirm inspection dates .
Define responsibilities in lease: Include clauses for cleaning, key returns, deposit terms, and inspection rights.
🏘️ North County Specific Notes
San Diego climate: Humidity can cause mildew—focus on bathroom/kitchen cleaning and HVAC checks during turnover
Pest control: Schedule between-tenancy pest prevention to combat regional roaches, rodents, and ants
Yard care: In inland cities (e.g. Escondido, Vista), ensure irrigation, lawn, and hedge maintenance before new tenants move in.
📝 Template Summary
| Phase | Tenant Role | Landlord Role |
|---|---|---|
| Move-In | Complete checklist & photos, sign | Provide and document initial condition |
| During Lease | Maintain basic property upkeep | Respond promptly to repairs |
| Pre Move-Out | Request inspection, clean | Offer walkthrough, notify procedures |
| Move-Out | Return keys, provide forwarding address | Inspect, collect keys, prepare property |
| Post Move-Out | Clean, repair, return deposit |
✅ Bottom Line
Using a detailed rental move-in checklist and structured move-out procedures ensures:
Fair security deposit handling
Reduced disputes & liability
Faster property turnover and higher returns
Better tenant relations, leading to potential lease renewals
🔧 Want Help?
Francis Taylor Properties offers North County landlords California-compliant inspection protocols, and turnkey property turnover services across Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, and Rancho Bernardo.
Contact us to hear more about our full-service property management services and how we conduct thorough turnover to protect your biggest investment!
