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Your move-in and move-out inspections can be the difference between getting your full deposit back and paying for damage you never caused. Whether you are moving into privatized base housing or an off-base rental, a careful inspection protects you.
Why Inspections Matter So Much for Military Families
Military families move more often than most renters, and the timing is rarely flexible. You may be clearing quarters with movers in the driveway or signing for a new home after a long cross-country drive. That is exactly when details get missed. A system makes it quick.
Move-In Inspection Checklist
Do this before the household goods arrive, while rooms are empty and everything is visible.
Walls, Floors, and Ceilings
- Holes, nail pops, scuffs, and paint touch-ups
- Carpet stains, burns, and loose seams
- Scratches or water damage on hard floors
- Ceiling stains that could signal past leaks
Kitchen and Appliances
- Run the dishwasher, oven, stovetop burners, microwave, and garbage disposal
- Check the refrigerator temperature and ice maker
- Look under the sink for leaks or mold
Bathrooms
- Flush toilets and check for running water
- Look for cracked tiles, worn caulk, and slow drains
- Run the exhaust fan
Safety and Systems
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Run heating and air conditioning
- Locate the breaker panel and main water shut-off
- Check that windows lock and screens are intact
Document Everything
Take wide shots of each room plus close-ups of every defect, and keep a written list that matches your photos. Email the photos to yourself or the housing office so there is a dated record. A small tape measure in close-up photos shows the size of a stain or scratch, and a bright rechargeable flashlight helps you spot problems in closets and under sinks.
Submit your list to the property manager within the deadline they give you, often a few days after move-in, and keep a copy.
During Your Stay
Report maintenance issues quickly and in writing through the work order system. Small leaks become big repairs. A record of work orders also shows you reported problems rather than caused them.
Simple renter-friendly habits help too: felt furniture pads protect floors, removable adhesive hooks reduce nail holes, and a doormat and boot tray keep carpets cleaner.
Move-Out Inspection Checklist
- Ask for the cleaning standard in writing, and ask if there is a pre-inspection you can schedule.
- Patch small nail holes with spackle and a putty knife if your lease allows it.
- Deep-clean the oven, refrigerator, bathroom grout, baseboards, and window tracks. A magic eraser sponge pack handles scuffs on walls and doors.
- Replace burned-out light bulbs and HVAC filters.
- Remove all trash and personal items, including from the garage, sheds, and the yard.
- Photograph every room after cleaning, using the same angles as your move-in photos.
If You Disagree With Charges
Ask for an itemized list of charges, compare it to your move-in report and photos, and dispute anything that was pre-existing or normal wear and tear. For privatized base housing, the installation housing office and resident advocates can help. For off-base rentals, your legal assistance office can explain your state’s security deposit laws.
Ready for Your Next Home?
Take your time with the inspection and you will start your next assignment without surprises. Browse our military housing rentals and keep our PCS moving checklist handy for the rest of your move.
