Pictures are worth 1000 words....Condition of a rental unit prior to a tenant moving in

Joe, you are right to have all tenants fill in a Move-In/Move-out Checklist. In the two states that I have worked as a property manager the state gives the tenant 7 days from the move in date to report any damages that are there from the previous resident. The new tenant can also request to see what/if any charges were taken from the previous residents security deposit. Check your state for details.

A way to make it a win-win situation is to go through the rental unit with the new resident and have them fill out the checklist while they are there. I did not like to hand it to the resident because then I would have to track them down to get it back. After it was signed by both parties, I let the tenant know that if we missed anything that they have 7 days to report it.
I also gave them a disposable camera to help them record any damages that were there before they moved in. I also advised them to take pictures of after they moved all their things in. I advised them to do this in case of a natural disaster or a fire. This way it would be easier to look back at the pictures and have proof of the items for their renters insurance.

Thanks so much for all the great tips on the Move-in/move out form. I believe the disposable camera is a great idea too. Thanks again for all the input. Good luck on all your investments. Believe and Achieve! - Joe