Free Florida Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist
Florida move-in/move-out checklist. While Florida does not have a specific inspection statute, FS §83.49(3)(a) requires the landlord to send a Notice of Intent to Impose Claim within 30 days of vacate — failure FORFEITS the claim. A signed checklist supports the claim notice and helps avoid the 15-day tenant objection.
Free Florida Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist — overview
A Florida Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist is property-condition documentation. Florida does not have a specific inspection statute, but FS §83.49(3)(a) requires a Notice of Intent to Impose Claim within 30 days of vacate – failure to send forfeits the deposit claim. A signed move-out checklist supports the claim notice.
Complete the Inspection Checklist
Walk through the property with the tenant. For each area, mark the condition at move-in. At move-out, repeat the walk-through and mark the condition again. Both landlord and tenant sign at move-in and move-out. Take time-stamped photos for every room. The checklist is most valuable when supplemented with photographic evidence.
⚠ Wear-and-tear vs. damage — critical distinction
Ordinary wear-and-tear is NOT chargeable against the security deposit in any state. Faded paint, minor carpet wear in traffic patterns, small nail holes, and minor scuffing are typically not chargeable. Damage beyond ordinary use IS chargeable: stains, holes >1 inch, broken fixtures, pet damage, smoke damage, and similar. Document with photos; note both pre-existing conditions at move-in AND damage at move-out.
1. Parties
2. Rental Property
3. Living Room / Common Area
4. Kitchen
5. Bedroom(s)
6. Bathroom(s)
7. Exterior / Other Areas
8. Keys, Remotes, and Other Items Provided
9. Signatures — Move-In
10. Signatures — Move-Out
About the Florida Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist
Florida does not have a specific statutory move-in/move-out inspection requirement. However, FS §83.49 makes detailed inspection documentation essential. The pre-claim notice procedure under §83.49(3)(a) is severe: if the landlord fails to send a Notice of Intent to Impose Claim on the Security Deposit within 30 days of the tenant’s vacate, the landlord FORFEITS the right to claim ANY portion of the deposit. If the landlord does send the notice, the tenant has 15 days to object in writing under §83.49(3)(b). A signed move-out checklist (with photos) is the foundation for the §83.49(3)(a) claim notice and helps defeat any tenant objection. Conversely, a tenant who walked through and signed the move-in checklist is protected from being charged for pre-existing conditions. Florida statute requires that the landlord disclose how the deposit is held under §83.49(2) within 30 days of receipt.
Florida Inspection Framework
- No specific inspection statute in Florida
- Deposit statute: Florida Statute §83.49
- §83.49(3)(a): Notice of Intent to Impose Claim within 30 days of vacate
- FAILURE to send within 30 days = FORFEITURE of all claim to deposit
- Tenant 15-day objection window under §83.49(3)(b)
- NOT chargeable: ordinary wear-and-tear
Why This Form Matters
In Florida, the move-in/move-out checklist is critical because of the FS §83.49(3)(a) pre-claim forfeiture rule. A landlord who fails to send the Notice of Intent to Impose Claim within 30 days of vacate forfeits the entire deposit. A signed checklist (with photos) makes the claim notice defensible against tenant objections within the 15-day window. Best practice: complete the move-out walk-through immediately at vacate, use the checklist to identify chargeable damage, send the §83.49(3)(a) notice promptly (well within 30 days), and retain all documentation.
Best Practices
- Walk through together. Both landlord and tenant should be present at both move-in and move-out. The signed checklist is much stronger evidence than a unilateral one.
- Photograph everything. Time-stamped photos for every room, every wall, every appliance. Use a smartphone with location and timestamp metadata.
- Be specific in notes. “Small nail hole 3 inches above light switch in east wall” is much more useful than “minor damage.”
- Document pre-existing issues. If the unit has issues at move-in (faded paint, worn carpet), document them so the tenant isn’t blamed at move-out.
- Save the checklist for at least the statute of limitations. Disputes can arise years after move-out – keep the signed checklist and photos for at least 4 years (most states).
- Distinguish wear-and-tear from damage. Wear-and-tear is NOT chargeable. Document both, but only charge for actual damage beyond ordinary use.
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⚖ Legal Disclaimer
This checklist is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. A signed checklist (with photos) is critical evidence in any security-deposit dispute. For Florida guidance, visit FL Department of Business and Professional Regulation and review Florida Statute §83.49. Consult a qualified Florida attorney for high-value deposit disputes.
