The Move in/Move out Checklist

The California move in/move out checklist is a must especially for a novice property owner. Dealing into leasing and rental property venture would need basic knowledge of property condition, appraisal and maintenance. At the end of this article, a Landowner will gain knowledge after a brief review on why rental properties need documentation on its condition from the time the premises is occupied until it is vacated by the tenant.

Putting your resources into rental property requires quiet a big investment for any entrepreneur. As a property owner, it is your primary objective to ensure that your investment is maintained and in good condition aside from the wear and tear. Documenting the precise condition of the rental property at the onset or outset of tenancy is fundamental and vital.

There are Federal Laws and State Laws that also govern and regulate rental properties. These laws protect both the Landlord and the Tenant at almost all corners in their lease agreement. These laws specify a guide to document the onset or outset conditions of the rental property as the primary proof of its condition.

In California, the Premises Move in/Move out Checklist documents in detail the condition of the premises. The document is filed for safekeeping and will be useful in deciding whether a security deposit should be returned at the end of the tenancy agreement. A fully filled premises checklist will serve as a proof that an inspection on the rental premises took place and records the rental premises condition. This written Premises Move in/Move out Checklist is basically useful in the event of litigation, misunderstanding and disagreements.

The Premises Move in/Move out checklist for California contains the following primary Provisions:

1. Address of Premises. This Provision contains the address of the premises and the dates of both the move-in and move-out. These dates shall be specified in the form to mark other statutory rules that govern security deposits.

2. Comments section. This is the body of the form. The form is designed to give details of conditions in every area or section of the property, including its furnishing, fixtures, appliances, etc. This section outlines the comments on the heating and air conditioning system, carpeting, the walls and window coverings, and also includes exterior conditions of yards, balconies, garages or carports if applicable. The checklist provides a detailed enumeration of key areas inclusive of its major parts and its components.

3. Results Accepted. The last part of the form that requires signatures for both the Landlord and the Tenant. This acceptance section will serve as acknowledgement for both the Landlord and Tenant on the results of the premises inspection and condition at the time of inspection.

It is imperative that the Landlord and Tenant conduct a joint inspection whenever a Tenant moves in or moves out of any rented/leased residential premises. The inspection will determine if any part of the premises were damaged during the duration of tenancy or before the start of occupancy. This checklist form can help avoid problems at the end of the lease. This checklist can also help the Landlord justify any security deposit deductions, if warranted. However, there is another form that also stipulates security deductions.

Additionally, both parties can add photographs and videos of the premises condition to virtually document its current status. Photographs and videos must have dates on its take to show the actual condition of the premises on these dates. The California Move In/Move Out Checklist form can also be used in all states.

You can click on the link to have a copy of Appendix 5, a sample of the government checklist form.

Sample Checklist Form

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