Tenant Move-In & Move-Out Inspection Checklist

The problem

The landlord documents everything. Most tenants don't.

In the UK, tenancy deposit disputes are one of the most common consumer problems landlords face tenants with. Landlords and letting agencies use professional inventory clerks who document every scuff, every mark, every item at the start of a tenancy. Most tenants walk in with their phone and a vague plan to "take some photos."

When they leave, the landlord's documentation is detailed and dated. The tenant's isn't. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme exists to arbitrate disputes, but the arbitration is decided on evidence.

Without a structured inspection record, the tenant's position is always weaker than the landlord's.

How it works

Step by step

1. Download the Excel file before or on move-in day.
2. Fill in the Property Details tab with your landlord's information and TDP scheme details.
3. Work through each room tab — Entrance, Kitchen, Living Room, Bedrooms, Bathroom — selecting the condition of each item from the dropdown (Excellent / Good / Fair / Poor / Damaged / N/A).
4. Add photo references in the Photo Ref column so your photos are linked to specific items.
5. On move-out day, repeat the process in the Move-Out columns — the Change Detected column automatically flags any discrepancy between move-in and move-out condition.
6. Use the Summary tab as your evidence document if a deposit dispute arises.

Who it's for

What's included

• 10-sheet Excel workbook
• Your Rights tab explaining the Tenancy Deposit Scheme in plain English
• Property Details form
• 6 room-by-room inspection tabs
• Automatic change detection formula
• 20-row photo reference log
• Signature block
• Works in Excel and Google Sheets