A Tenant Move In Checklist is a document outlining the condition of the property before a tenant moves in. This checklist ensures that the property is as described for the tenant, and protects both the landlord and tenant by ensuring accurate billing for damages upon move-out.
Move In Checklist Laws by State
In some states, a landlord is required by law to provide a move-in checklist before a tenant occupies the premises at the beginning of the lease.
| State | Requirement |
| Alaska | As Decided By Landlord |
| Arizona | All New Tenancies |
| Connecticut | All New Tenancies (but tenant can opt out) |
| Georgia | Tenancies Collecting a Security Deposit |
| Hawaii | All New Tenancies |
| Kansas | All New Tenancies |
| Kentucky | Tenancies Collecting a Security Deposit (only in URLTA counties) |
| Maryland | Tenancies Collecting a Security Deposit (but tenant can opt out) |
| Massachusetts | Tenancies Collecting a Security Deposit |
| Michigan | Tenancies Collecting a Security Deposit |
| Minnesota | All Tenancies (but tenant can opt out) |
| Montana | Tenancies Collecting a Security Deposit |
| Nevada | All Written Rental Agreements |
| North Dakota | All New Tenancies |
| Utah | All New Tenancies |
| Virginia | All New Tenancies |
| Washington | Tenancies Collecting a Security Deposit |
| Wisconsin | Tenancies Collecting a Security Deposit |
If a move-in checklist was not provided, a landlord may be prohibited from charging for damages as a result of a move-out inspection.
Even where providing a checklist is optional, they have several advantages:
- Tracking the property’s condition in an organized way
- Holding tenants accountable for damages beyond normal wear and tear that occur during the tenancy
- Heading off potential disputes with a tenant
- Providing written documentation when there is damage that the tenant claims they did not cause
- Overall, increasing the likelihood that the property will remain in good condition
What a Tenant Move In Checklist Should Include
A move-in checklist should provide the following:
- Instructions: The checklist should contain clear instructions on conducting the inspection and assessing potential damages, both during move-in and move-out
- Inspection Items: The checklist should list every room and item to be inspected (and the move-out sections should be identical to enable accurate tracking)
- Move In Inspection: There should be a column to note any damages discovered during the move-in inspection
- Move Out Inspection: Likewise, there should also be a separate column to note any damages discovered during the move-out inspection
- Costs: The checklist should have a final column to list costs incurred for any damages or areas that require cleaning, upon move-out
Rooms, Hallways, and Entryways
A move-in checklist should list every single room and entryway in the rental unit, with a separate section for every area of the rental property that’s the tenant’s responsibility. These include, among others:
- Living Room
- Dining Room
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Patio
- Deck
- Hallways
- Entryway
- Any exterior grounds or storage for the tenant’s exclusive use
The number and types of sections listed depend on the rental unit, case by case.
Items within each Room
A move-in checklist must list the items to inspect in each room that will be inspected. These include, among others:
- Walls
- Floor
- Ceiling
- Windows
- Shades/Blinds
- Screens
- Closets
- Shelves
- Appliances
- Light Fixtures
- Outlets/Switches
- Furnishings (if provided)
In the template provided, some of the items will not be applicable for each room. When filling out a move-in checklist, make sure this is clearly noted to avoid ambiguity. Landlords often will cross out or black out sections of a move-in checklist template which aren’t relevant to the specific property being inspected.
How To Use a Move In Checklist
When completing a move-in checklist, these step-by-step instructions help ensure proper documentation during the entire process:
- Each party should receive a blank copy of the checklist prior to the inspection.
- The parties should fully inspect one room at a time, together.
- Inspection should proceed through each item in the room starting with more general items (e.g. walls, floors, etc.) and going to room-specific items (e.g. stove, toilet, etc.).
- In each room, fill out the appropriate box for each item on the checklist. The checklist provided on this page contains a helpful legend to assist with recording both the property’s condition (e.g. EC = Excellent Condition) and any action (e.g. RN = Repair Needed) that may need to be taken. Detailed information can be critical. If there is damage, specify the type of damage and exactly where it is located.
- Clearly denote which rooms or items are not applicable. Avoid vagueness and do not leave blank spaces that may create ambiguity. If there is an item or room that is not applicable, clearly note it.
- Provide specific details on the condition of the item and the action that will be taken, for any damaged or unclean items.
- Take several pictures of the property. For documentation purposes, both the tenant and landlord should receive a copy of these pictures. The pictures should be signed and dated by both parties (and/or have their delivery recorded with an electronic timestamp) to avoid any dispute over the timing or authenticity of the pictures.
- Repeat these steps for each room in the rental unit.
- Both parties should review the entire checklist once inspection is complete.
- Both parties should then sign the completed checklist.
- The landlord will provide a copy of the completed and signed checklist to the tenant.
- At this point, the tenant and landlord should agree on a plan for any needed repairs or cleaning. (See below for step-by-step instructions.)
- Both parties should keep a signed copy of the checklist in their records.
In some states, this checklist must be used during the move-out inspection. Even where not required, it is useful to have on hand when conducting the final inspection.
Completing Repairs and Cleaning Recorded on the Move In Checklist
A landlord may have some extra repairs and/or cleaning to do after performing a move-in inspection. These steps for performing and documenting any inspection-related work help a landlord uphold the duty to perform timely repairs:
- Prepare an itemized list of all items and areas to be repaired and/or cleaned (e.g., “front left burner on the kitchen stove does not properly ignite”).
- Detail the condition of the item or area (this should exactly reflect what was found on the move-in checklist).
- Note the specific action to be completed (e.g., “landlord will replace the front left burner on the kitchen stove”).
- Provide a deadline by which the repair or cleaning will be completed. A specific appointment to address the issue(s) in question may be necessary, especially when the tenant has already moved in.
- Clean or repair the issue that was noted on the checklist.
- Do a followup inspection with the tenant to confirm successful completion of the task. This should result in written confirmation from the tenant that the task was properly completed.
When To Send a Move In Checklist
Generally, a move-in checklist should be provided to an incoming tenant at least one week before move-in. This gives the tenant time to review and understand their obligations before moving in, and makes time to review the condition of all items on the checklist before the lease begins.
What Comes After the Move In Inspection?
After completing a move-in inspection comes the actual move-in for the tenant. Sometimes a landlord will inspect the property about halfway through the lease to check and make sure there are no pending issues. A Landlord Inspection Checklist Template often helps with inspections during the course of a tenancy.
Once move-in is done, the checklist can be filed away until it’s time for the tenant to vacate the premises and conduct a move-out inspection. When a tenant has moved in already without a checklist, a Move Out Checklist helps document the property’s condition when the time comes.
Sources
- 1 Alaska Stat. § 34.03.020(e)
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If required by the landlord, the landlord and the tenant shall include within the rental agreement, incorporate by reference in the rental agreement, or add as a separate attachment to the rental agreement a premises condition statement, setting out the condition of the premises, including fixtures but excluding reference to any of the other contents of the premises, and, if applicable, a contents inventory itemizing or describing all of the furnishings and other contents of the premises and specifying the condition of each of them. In the premises condition statement and contents inventory, the landlord and tenant shall describe the premises and its contents at the commencement of the term of the period of the occupancy covered by the rental agreement. When signed by the landlord and tenant , the premises condition statement and contents inventory completed under this subsection become part of the rental agreement.
Source Link - 2 Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 33-1321(C) - (E)
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C. On move in, a landlord shall furnish the tenant with a signed copy of the lease, a move-in form for specifying any existing damages to the dwelling unit and written notification to the tenant that the tenant may be present at the move-out inspection. On request by the tenant, the landlord shall notify the tenant when the landlord’s move-out inspection will occur. If the tenant is being evicted for a material and irreparable breach and the landlord has reasonable cause to fear violence or intimidation on the part of the tenant, the landlord has no obligation to conduct a joint move-out inspection with the tenant.
D. On termination of the tenancy, property or money held by the landlord as prepaid rent and security may be applied to the payment of all rent, and subject to a landlord’s duty to mitigate, all charges as specified in the signed lease agreement, or as provided in this chapter, including the amount of damages which the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant’s noncompliance with section 33-1341. Within fourteen days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays or other legal holidays, after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession and demand by the tenant the landlord shall provide the tenant an itemized list of all deductions together with the amount due and payable to the tenant, if any. Unless other arrangements are made in writing by the tenant, the landlord shall mail the itemized list and any amount due, by first class mail, to the tenant’s last known place of residence. If the tenant does not dispute the deductions or the amount due and payable to the tenant within sixty days after the itemized list and amount due are mailed as prescribed by this subsection, the amount due to the tenant as set forth in the itemized list with any amount due is deemed valid and final and any further claims of the tenant are waived.
E. If the landlord fails to comply with subsection D of this section, the tenant may recover the property and money due the tenant together with damages in an amount equal to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.
Source Link - 3 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-7c
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(a) As used in this section, “walk-through” means a joint physical inspection of the dwelling unit by the landlord and the tenant, or their designees, for the purpose of noting and listing any observed conditions within the dwelling unit. On and after January 1, 2024, upon or after the entry into a rental agreement but prior to the tenant’s occupancy of a dwelling unit, a landlord shall offer such tenant the opportunity to conduct a walk-through of the dwelling unit. If the tenant requests such a walk-through, the landlord and tenant, or their designees, shall use a copy of the preoccupancy walk-through checklist prepared by the Commissioner of Housing under subsection (c) of this section. The landlord and the tenant, or their designees, shall specifically note on the walk-through checklist any existing conditions, defects or damages to the dwelling unit present at the time of the walk-through. After the walk-through, the landlord and the tenant, or their designees, shall sign duplicate copies of the walkthrough checklist and each shall receive a copy.
(b) Upon the tenant’s vacating of the dwelling unit, the landlord may not retain any part of the security deposit collected under chapter 831 of the general statutes or seek payment from the tenant for any condition, defect or damage that was noted in the preoccupancy walk-through checklist. Such walk-through checklist shall be admissible, subject to the rules of evidence, but shall not be conclusive, as evidence of the condition of the dwelling unit at the beginning of a tenant’s occupancy in any administrative or judicial proceeding.
(c) Not later than December 1, 2023, the Commissioner of Housing shall (1) prepare a standardized preoccupancy walk-through checklist for any landlord and tenant to use to document the condition of any dwelling unit during a preoccupancy walk-through under subsection (a) of this section, and (2) make such checklist available on the Department of Housing’s Internet web site.
(d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any tenancy under a rental agreement entered into prior to January 1, 2024.
Source Link - 4 Ga. Code § 44-7-33
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(a) Prior to tendering a security deposit, the tenant shall be presented with a comprehensive list of any existing damage to the premises which shall be for the tenant’s permanent retention. The tenant shall have the right to inspect the premises to ascertain the accuracy of such list prior to taking occupancy. The landlord and the tenant shall sign the list, and this shall be conclusive evidence of the accuracy of the list but shall not be conclusive as to latent defects. If the tenant refuses to sign the list, the tenant shall state specifically in writing the items on such list to which he or she dissents and shall sign such statement of dissent.
(b)(1) Within three business days after the termination of the residential lease and vacation of the premises or the surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever occurs first, the landlord or his or her agent shall inspect the premises and compile a comprehensive list of any damage done to the premises which is the basis for any charge against the security deposit and the estimated dollar value of such damage. The tenant shall upon request have the right to inspect the premises and such list within five business days after the termination of the residential lease and vacation of the premises or the surrender and acceptance of the premises and the inspection by the landlord or his or her agent. If the tenant is present with the landlord at the time of the inspection, the landlord and the tenant shall sign the list, and this shall be conclusive evidence of the accuracy of the list. If the tenant refuses to sign the list, he or she shall state specifically in writing the items on the list to which he or she dissents and shall sign such statement of dissent. The landlord shall then comply with the provisions of Code Section 44-7-34.
(2) If the tenant vacates or surrenders the premises without notifying the landlord, the landlord shall inspect the premises and compile a comprehensive list of any damage done to the premises which is the basis for any charge against the security deposit and the estimated dollar value of such damage within a reasonable time after discovering the premises has been surrendered by vacancy. The landlord shall sign the list and then comply with the provisions of Code Section 44-7-34.
(c) A tenant who disputes the accuracy of the final damage list compiled pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section and provided to the tenant pursuant to Code Section 44-7-34 may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction in this state to recover the portion of the security deposit which the tenant believes to be wrongfully withheld for damages to the premises. The tenant’s claims shall be limited to those items to which the tenant specifically dissented in accordance with this Code section. If the tenant is present for the inspection of the premises after vacancy and signs the landlord’s final damage list or fails to dissent specifically in accordance with this Code section, the tenant shall not be entitled to recover the security deposit or any other damages under Code Section 44-7-35, provided that the lists required under this Code section contain written notice of the tenant’s duty to sign or to dissent to the list. A tenant who did not inspect the premises after vacancy or was not present for the landlord’s inspection of the premises after vacancy and, in either case, did not request a copy of the landlord’s final damage list shall have the right to dispute the damages assessed by the landlord.
Source Link - 5 Haw. Rev. Stat. § 521-42(6)
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Prior to the initial date of initial occupancy, the landlord shall inventory the premises and make a written record detailing the condition of the premises and any furnishings or appliances provided. Duplicate copies of this inventory shall be signed by the landlord and by the tenant and a copy given to each tenant. In an action arising under this section, the executed copy of the inventory shall be presumed to be correct. If the landlord fails to make such an inventory and written record, the condition of the premises and any furnishings or appliances provided, upon the termination of the tenancy shall be rebuttably presumed to be the same as when the tenant first occupied the premises.
Source Link - 6 Kan. Stat. § 58-2548
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Within five (5) days of the initial date of occupancy or upon delivery of possession, the landlord, or such landlord’s designated representative, and the tenant shall jointly inventory the premises. A written record detailing the condition of the premises and any furnishings or appliances provided shall be completed. Duplicate copies of the record shall be signed by the landlord and the tenant as an indication the inventory was completed. The tenant shall be given a copy of the inventory.
Source Link - 7 Ky. Rev. Stat. § 383.580(2) - (4)
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(2) Prior to tendering any consideration deemed to be a security deposit, the prospective tenant shall be presented with a comprehensive listing of any then-existing damage to the unit which would be the basis for a charge against the security deposit and the estimated dollar cost of repairing such damage. The tenant shall have the right to inspect the premises to ascertain the accuracy of such listing prior to taking occupancy. The landlord and the tenant shall sign the listing, which signatures shall be conclusive evidence of the accuracy of such listing, but shall not be construed to be conclusive to latent defects. If the tenant shall refuse to sign such listing, he shall state specifically in writing the items on the list to which he dissents, and shall sign such statement of dissent.
(3) At the termination of occupancy, the landlord shall inspect the premises and compile a comprehensive listing of any damage to the unit which is the basis for any charge against the security deposit and the estimated dollar cost of repairing such damage. The tenant shall then have the right to inspect the premises to ascertain the accuracy of such listing. The landlord and the tenant shall sign the listing, which signatures shall be conclusive evidence of the accuracy of such listing. If the tenant shall refuse to sign such listing, he shall state specifically in writing the items on the list to which he dissents, and shall sign such statement of dissent.
(4) No landlord shall be entitled to retain any portion of a security deposit if the security deposit was not deposited in a separate account as required by subsection (1) of this section and if the initial and final damage listings required by subsections (2) and (3) of this section are not provided.
Source Link - 8 Md. Code, Real. Prop. § 8-203.1(a)(1) & (a)(2)
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(a) A receipt for a security deposit shall notify the tenant of the following:
(1) The right to have the dwelling unit inspected by the landlord in the tenant’s presence for the purpose of making a written list of damages that exist at the commencement of the tenancy if the tenant so requests by certified mail within 15 days of the tenant’s occupancy;
(2) The right to be present when the landlord inspects the premises at the end of the tenancy in order to determine if any damage was done to the premises if the tenant notifies the landlord by certified mail at least 15 days prior to the date of the tenant’s intended move, of the tenant’s intention to move, the date of moving, and the tenant’s new address…
Source Link - 9 Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B(2)(c)
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Any lessor of residential real property, or his agent, who accepts a security deposit from a tenant or prospective tenant shall, upon receipt of such security deposit, or within ten days after commencement of the tenancy, whichever is later, furnish to such tenant or prospective tenant a separate written statement of the present condition of the premises to be leased or rented. Such written statement shall also contain a comprehensive listing of any damage then existing in the premises, including, but not limited to, any violations of the state sanitary or state building codes certified by a local board of health or building official or adjudicated by a court and then existing in the premises. Such statement shall be signed by the lessor or his agent and contain the following notice in twelve-point bold-face type at the top of the first page thereof:
“This is a statement of the condition of the premises you have leased or rented. You should read it carefully in order to see if it is correct. If it is correct you must sign it. This will show that you agree that the list is correct and complete. If it is not correct, you must attach a separate signed list of any damage which you believe exists in the premises. This statement must be returned to the lessor or his agent within fifteen days after you receive this list or within fifteen days after you move in, whichever is later. If you do not return this list, within the specified time period, a court may later view your failure to return the list as your agreement that the list is complete and correct in any suit which you may bring to recover the security deposit.”
If the tenant submits to the lessor or his agent a separate list of damages, the lessor or his agent shall, within fifteen days of receiving said separate list, return a copy of said list to the tenant with either such lessor’s signed agreement with the content thereof or a clear statement of disagreement attached.
Source Link - 10 Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.608
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(1) The landlord shall make use of inventory checklists both at the commencement and termination of occupancy for each rental unit which detail the condition of the rental unit for which a security deposit is required.(2) At the commencement of the lease, the landlord shall furnish the tenant 2 blank copies of a commencement inventory checklist, which form shall be identical to the form used for the termination inventory checklist. The checklist shall include all items in the rental unit owned by the landlord including, but not limited to, carpeting, draperies, appliances, windows, furniture, walls, closets, shelves, paint, doors, plumbing fixtures and electrical fixtures.(3) Unless the landlord and tenant agree to complete their inventory checklist within a shorter period, the tenant shall review the checklist, note the condition of the property and return 1 copy of the checklist to the landlord within 7 days after receiving possession of the premises.(4) The checklist shall contain the following notice in 12 point boldface type at the top of the first page: “You should complete this checklist, noting the condition of the rental property, and return it to the landlord within 7 days after obtaining possession of the rental unit. You are also entitled to request and receive a copy of the last termination inventory checklist which shows what claims were chargeable to the last prior tenants.”.(5) At the termination of the occupancy, the landlord shall complete a termination inventory checklist listing all the damages he claims were caused by the tenant.Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.608(1) The landlord shall make use of inventory checklists both at the commencement and termination of occupancy for each rental unit which detail the condition of the rental unit for which a security deposit is required.(2) At the commencement of the lease, the landlord shall furnish the tenant 2 blank copies of a commencement inventory checklist, which form shall be identical to the form used for the termination inventory checklist. The checklist shall include all items in the rental unit owned by the landlord including, but not limited to, carpeting, draperies, appliances, windows, furniture, walls, closets, shelves, paint, doors, plumbing fixtures and electrical fixtures.
(3) Unless the landlord and tenant agree to complete their inventory checklist within a shorter period, the tenant shall review the checklist, note the condition of the property and return 1 copy of the checklist to the landlord within 7 days after receiving possession of the premises.
(4) The checklist shall contain the following notice in 12 point boldface type at the top of the first page: “You should complete this checklist, noting the condition of the rental property, and return it to the landlord within 7 days after obtaining possession of the rental unit. You are also entitled to request and receive a copy of the last termination inventory checklist which shows what claims were chargeable to the last prior tenants.”.
(5) At the termination of the occupancy, the landlord shall complete a termination inventory checklist listing all the damages he claims were caused by the tenant.
Source Link - 11 Minn. Stat. § 504B.182(1)
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(a) At the commencement of a residential tenancy, or within 14 days of a residential tenant occupying a unit, the landlord must notify the tenant of their option to request an initial inspection of the residential unit for the purposes of identifying existing deficiencies in the rental unit to avoid deductions for the security deposit of the tenant at a future date. If the tenant requests an inspection, the landlord and tenant shall schedule the inspection at a mutually acceptable date and time.(b) In lieu of an initial inspection or move-out inspection under subdivision 2, when a tenant agrees, a landlord may provide written acknowledgment to the tenant of photos or videos of a rental unit and agree to the condition of the rental unit at the start or end of the tenancy.
Source Link - 12 Mont. Code § 70-25-206
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(1) Any person engaged in the rental of property for residential purposes who requires a security deposit shall furnish to each tenant, in conjunction with execution of a lease or creation of a tenancy, a separate written statement as to the present condition of the premises intended to be let. At the written request of the tenant, a copy of the written list of damage and cleaning charges, if any, provided to the tenant of the immediately preceding leasehold agreement for the premises in question must be provided to the tenant.
(2) Each written statement of the present condition of a premises intended to be let shall contain at least the following:
(a) a clear and concise statement of the present condition of the premises known to the landlord or the landlord’s agent or which should have been known upon reasonable inspection;
(b) if the premises have never previously been let, a statement indicating the fact; and
(c) the signature of the landlord or the landlord’s agent.
(3) A person engaged in the rental of property for residential purposes who fails to furnish a tenant, in conjunction with the execution of the lease or creation of the tenancy, with a separate written statement of the present condition of the premises intended to be let and, upon the written request of the tenant, a written list of damage and cleaning charges provided to the tenant of the immediately preceding leasehold agreement is barred from recovering any sum for damage to or cleaning of the leasehold premises unless the person can establish by clear and convincing evidence that the damage occurred during the tenancy in question and was caused by the tenant occupying the leasehold premises or the tenant’s family, licensees, or invitees.
Source Link - 13 Nev. Rev. Stat. § 118A.200
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Any written rental agreement must contain, but is not limited to, provisions relating to…
(k) A signed record of the inventory and condition of the premises under the exclusive custody and control of the tenant.
Source Link - 14 N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.2
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A landlord shall provide the tenant with a statement describing the condition of the facilities in and about the premises to be rented at the time of entering a rental agreement. The statement shall be agreed to and signed by the landlord and tenant. The statement shall constitute prima facie proof of the condition of the facilities and the premises at the beginning of the rental agreement.
Source Link - 15 Utah Code § 57-22-4(6)
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Before an owner and a prospective renter enter into a rental agreement, the owner shall:
(a) provide the prospective renter a written inventory of the condition of the residential rental unit, excluding ordinary wear and tear;
(b) furnish the renter a form to document the condition of the residential rental unit and then allow the resident a reasonable time after the renter’s occupancy of the residential rental unit to complete and return the form; or
(c) provide the prospective renter an opportunity to conduct a walkthrough inspection of the residential rental unit.
Source Link - 16 Va. Code § 55.1-1214
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A. The landlord shall, within five days after occupancy of a dwelling unit, submit a written report to the tenant itemizing damages to the dwelling unit existing at the time of occupancy, and the report shall be deemed correct unless the tenant objects to it in writing within five days after receipt of the report.B. The landlord may adopt a written policy allowing the tenant to prepare the written report of the move-in inspection, in which case the tenant shall submit a copy to the landlord, and the report shall be deemed correct unless the landlord objects thereto in writing within five days after receipt of the report. Such written policy adopted by the landlord may also provide for the landlord and the tenant to prepare the written report of the move-in inspection jointly, in which case both the landlord and the tenant shall sign the written report and receive a copy of the report, at which time the inspection report shall be deemed correct.C. If any damages are reflected on the written report, a landlord is not required to make repairs to address such damages unless required to do so under § 55.1-1215 or 55.1-1220.
Source Link - 17 Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.260(2) & (3)
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(2) No deposit may be collected by a landlord unless the rental agreement is in writing and a written checklist or statement is provided by the landlord to the tenant at the commencement of the tenancy specifically describing the condition and cleanliness of or existing damages to the premises, fixtures, equipment, appliances, and furnishings including, but not limited to:
(a) Walls, including wall paint and wallpaper;(b) Carpets and other flooring;
(c) Furniture; and
(d) Appliances.
(3) The checklist or statement shall be signed and dated by the landlord and the tenant, and the tenant shall be provided with a copy of the signed checklist or statement. The tenant has the right to request one free replacement copy of the written checklist.
Source Link - 18 Wis. Admin. Code ATCP § ATCP 134.06(1)
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(a) Before a landlord accepts a security deposit, or converts an earnest money deposit to a security deposit under s. ATCP 134.05, the landlord shall notify the tenant in writing that the tenant may do any of the following by a specified deadline date which is not less than 7 days after the start of tenancy:
1. Inspect the dwelling unit and notify the landlord of any preexisting damages or defects.
2. Request a list of physical damages or defects, if any, charged to the previous tenant’s security deposit. The landlord may require the tenant to make this request, if any, in writing.
(b) If a tenant makes a request under par. (a) 2., the landlord shall provide the tenant with a list of all physical damages or defects charged to the previous tenant’s security deposit, regardless of whether those damages or defects have been repaired. The landlord shall provide the list within 30 days after the landlord receives the request, or within 7 days after the landlord notifies the previous tenant of the security deposit deductions, whichever occurs later. The landlord may explain that some or all of the listed damages or defects have been repaired, if that is the case. The landlord need not disclose the previous tenant’s identity, or the amounts withheld from the previous tenant’s security deposit.
Source Link
