Move-Out Inspection Checklist for Houston Rentals
The move-out inspection does two jobs at once. It documents the condition of the unit when the resident leaves, which matters for the security deposit. It also sets the scope for the make-ready, which decides how quickly the unit can be leased again. A rushed or inconsistent inspection creates deposit disputes and missed repairs. A careful one keeps the turnover moving.
This checklist is designed for Houston landlords and property managers handling single-family rentals, duplexes and apartment units. It is general information, not legal advice. Security deposits and move-out procedures are governed by Texas law and your lease, so review your process with your attorney.
Before the inspection
- Pull the move-in report and photos. The move-out inspection is a comparison. Without a clear move-in record, it is hard to show what changed.
- Review the lease. Note cleaning requirements, pet terms, alterations and any agreed items.
- Confirm the move-out date and keys. Make sure the resident has fully vacated.
- Bring tools: Camera or phone, flashlight, outlet tester, moisture meter if you have one and your checklist.
Know the legal framework
Texas security deposit rules are in Texas Property Code Chapter 92, Subchapter C. They address deductions, normal wear and tear, itemized lists and timing. The Texas Attorney General's consumer protection pages include plain-language information for renters and landlords. Talk to your attorney about how these rules apply to your leases and deductions.
Normal wear and tear vs damage
The difference matters for deposits. In general terms:
- Normal wear and tear is the gradual decline from ordinary use, such as light scuffs, minor carpet wear in traffic paths and faded paint.
- Damage goes beyond ordinary use, such as holes in walls, burns, broken fixtures, pet damage and stains from spills.
Document each issue with photos and notes, and compare to the move-in record. Leave legal judgments about deductions to your process and your attorney's guidance.
Room-by-room checklist
Entry and living areas
- Front door, lock, deadbolt and peephole
- Walls: holes, marks, nail holes and paint condition
- Ceilings: stains that may signal leaks
- Flooring: stains, tears, scratches and pet damage
- Windows: glass, locks, screens and blinds
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Outlets and switches, including cover plates
- Smoke alarms
Kitchen
- Cabinets: doors, hinges, shelves and water damage under the sink
- Countertops: burns, cuts and chips
- Sink, faucet and sprayer
- Under-sink plumbing: leaks and stains
- Dishwasher: runs, drains and seals
- Range and oven: burners, controls and cleanliness
- Range hood and filter
- Refrigerator: seals, shelves, ice maker and cleanliness
- Garbage disposal
- GFCI outlets
Bathrooms
- Toilet: runs, leaks and secure at the floor
- Sink, faucet and drain
- Tub and shower: caulk, grout, tile and drains
- Signs of moisture or mold
- Exhaust fan
- Mirror, medicine cabinet and towel bars
- GFCI outlets
Bedrooms
- Doors and hardware
- Closets: doors, shelves and rods
- Walls, flooring and windows
- Outlets, switches and smoke alarms
Systems
- HVAC: Runs and cools or heats. Note filter condition and the condensate drain.
- Water heater: Leaks, rust and relief valve piping.
- Electrical panel: Labeled and accessible.
- Plumbing: Run every fixture and look for leaks.
- Smoke and CO alarms: Test each one. See our guide to smoke and CO detector checks for rentals.
Exterior and yard
- Fence and gates
- Yard condition and debris
- Garage door and opener
- Exterior lights
- Gutters and downspouts
- Signs of pests
Document everything
- Photos and video of every room, with close-ups of damage
- Notes tied to each photo
- Meter readings if utilities transfer
- Keys and remotes returned
- Date and time of the inspection
Store records by property and unit. Good records support deposit decisions, insurance claims and future planning.
Look for hidden issues
Some problems are easy to miss:
- Water damage under sinks and around toilets and tubs
- Soft flooring near bathrooms
- AC condensate leaks in closets or ceilings
- Pest activity behind appliances
- Foundation movement signs such as new cracks and sticking doors
Catching these during the move-out inspection keeps them from surprising the next resident. Our guide to water damage response in a rental unit covers next steps if you find a leak.
Lead paint in older homes
If the home was built before 1978 and the make-ready will disturb painted surfaces, lead-safe work rules may apply. See the EPA's lead renovation, repair and painting program and our guide to lead-safe renovation in older rentals.
Turn the inspection into the make-ready scope
The inspection should end with a clear list of work, organized by trade:
- Cleaning
- Paint and drywall
- Flooring
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Appliances
- Doors, windows and hardware
- Exterior
Mark items as required before leasing, recommended or deferred. Our make-ready scope of work guide shows how to write it so vendors can price it, and our guide to rental unit refresh vs full renovation helps decide how far to go.
Rekeying
Texas law requires landlords to rekey or change security devices between residents. Make it part of every turnover. Review the specific requirements with your attorney.
Common mistakes to avoid
- No move-in record to compare against.
- Skipping systems checks because the unit looks clean.
- Vague notes like "wall damage" without location or photos.
- Missing hidden water damage.
- Treating normal wear and tear as damage.
- Letting the inspection sit instead of turning it into a scope right away.
Quick checklist
- Move-in report, photos and lease reviewed
- Room-by-room inspection completed
- Systems, alarms and plumbing tested
- Exterior and yard checked
- Photos, notes, keys and readings recorded
- Hidden issues investigated
- Lead paint rules considered for older homes
- Make-ready scope written by trade
- Locks rekeyed
- Deposit process reviewed against Texas law with your attorney
A consistent move-out inspection makes deposits clearer, make-readies faster and the next lease start smoother.
Need make-ready or turnover repairs at a Houston rental? BPC Development LLC provides free on-site estimates in Houston, TX. Call (281) 301-4737.