Move-In Inspection Checklist for California Landlords
Protect your security deposit and document your property condition with this complete California move-in checklist.
Exterior
Interior — Living Areas
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Systems
Why Move-In Inspections Matter in California
California's security deposit laws are strict, and without a documented move-in inspection, landlords have little legal recourse when tenants dispute deductions. A thorough inspection with time-stamped photos creates a legally defensible record of the property's condition at the start of the tenancy. This documentation is your protection against claims that damage was pre-existing, and it gives you a clear baseline for comparison at move-out.
AB 12 Security Deposit Rules — What Changed in 2024
Effective July 1, 2024, AB 12 limits security deposits to one month's rent for most California landlords. This is a significant reduction from the previous two-month limit for unfurnished units. A narrow exception applies to small individual landlords who own no more than two residential properties with a combined total of no more than four dwelling units — those landlords may still charge up to two months' rent. Pet deposits count toward this limit and cannot be charged separately to get around the cap.
How to Store Move-In Documentation Properly
All move-in photos and documents should be stored in a secure, organized location that you can access quickly if a dispute arises. Cloud storage with time-stamped uploads is ideal — it creates an automatic record of when photos were taken. Store a signed copy of the move-in inspection report with the tenant's signed lease. Keep all documentation for at least three years after the tenancy ends, as California allows landlords to be sued for deposit disputes well after move-out.
What Happens at Move-Out
At move-out, California requires landlords to provide tenants with an itemized statement of any deposit deductions within 21 days. The statement must include receipts for repairs over $125. Any deductions must be for damage beyond normal wear and tear — and your move-in documentation is the evidence that separates pre-existing conditions from tenant-caused damage. Without it, tenants can successfully dispute nearly any deduction.
Frequently Asked Questions — Move-In Inspections
Want Magnolia to Handle Inspections for You?
We conduct thorough move-in and move-out inspections with photo documentation for every managed property — protecting your security deposit and keeping you legally compliant.
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