What every tenant move-in checklist should include
- Walls — scuffs, holes, nail pops, paint condition
- Floors — carpet stains, hardwood scratches, tile cracks
- Ceilings — water stains, cracks
- Doors — function, locks, frames
- Windows — glass condition, locks, screens, blinds
- Kitchen — appliances on/off, cabinet interiors, sink, countertops
- Bathrooms — caulk, grout, toilet function, mold or mildew
- Outlets and switches
- Smoke and CO detectors present and beeping when tested
- HVAC vents and filters
Why a written list isn't enough
Writing 'small scuff on living room wall' on a paper form doesn't prove it was a small scuff. Six months from now, the landlord might decide a small scuff was actually a large gouge. Without a photo, it's your word vs. theirs.
SnapHome attaches a timestamped photo to every checklist item, so 'small scuff' is literally a picture of a small scuff.
Get your landlord on board
SnapHome is free for tenants. The landlord pays per inspection. Ask your landlord to send you a SnapHome inspection link — most landlords are thrilled to use it because it protects them too.
What to do after move-in
Hold on to your signed PDF copy. Don't delete the email. When move-out comes around, SnapHome will compare your move-out photos against your move-in photos automatically — but having your own copy is always smart.