Free Chicago Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (RLTO)
Chicago move-in/move-out checklist under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) §5-12-080. Chicago’s strict deposit rules — including 2x deposit + attorney fees penalties — make a signed, photographed checklist essential documentation.
Free Chicago Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (RLTO) — overview
A Chicago Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (RLTO) is property-condition documentation critical under Chicago’s strict Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) §5-12-080. While the RLTO does not impose a specific inspection-checklist statute, the severe penalties for improper deposit handling (2x deposit + attorney fees + costs) make this signed documentation essentially mandatory.
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 Chicago Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (RLTO)
Chicago’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) §5-12-080 is among the strictest security deposit ordinances in the country. While the RLTO does not impose a specific inspection-checklist statute, its strict requirements make a signed, photographed move-in/move-out checklist essentially mandatory: (a) deposits must be held in a separate account at a federally-insured Illinois bank, (b) annual interest must be paid at the City Comptroller rate, (c) written disclosure to tenant, and (d) itemized statement of deductions at move-out. Penalties for non-compliance: 2x deposit + attorney fees + costs. The ordinance applies to most Chicago rental units but exempts owner-occupied buildings with 6 or fewer units. With these severe penalties, landlords need irrefutable documentation – the move-in/move-out checklist (signed by both parties, with photos) is the gold standard.
Chicago Inspection Framework
- Ordinance: Chicago RLTO §5-12-080 (Security Deposit)
- Penalty for non-compliance: 2x deposit + attorney fees + costs
- Required: separate IL-based federally-insured account, annual interest, written disclosure, itemized deductions
- Exemption: owner-occupied 6-or-fewer-unit buildings
- Inspection checklist: not statutorily required but essential evidence under strict RLTO rules
- Illinois statewide deposit rules (765 ILCS 715/) also apply
Why This Form Matters
In Chicago, the move-in/move-out checklist is critical because of RLTO’s strict deposit-handling penalties. A landlord facing a 2x deposit + attorney fees claim needs ironclad evidence supporting every deduction. A signed checklist (by both parties) plus photos is the strongest evidence available. Conversely, tenants who walk through the unit and sign the move-in checklist protect themselves from being charged at move-out for pre-existing conditions.
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.
Start every tenancy with thorough screening
Move-in checklists protect both parties — but screening tenants thoroughly upfront prevents most deposit disputes from happening in the first place. Tenant Screening Background Check has been verifying renters since 2004 — credit, eviction filings, criminal background, and employment.
Order Chicago Tenant Screening →
Published by Tenant Screening Background Check
Established 2004 · 20+ Years · All U.S. States & Territories · Statute-Based · Attorney-Reviewed
A Private Eye Reports™ service trusted by landlords, property managers, and attorneys.
⚖ 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 Chicago-specific guidance, visit City of Chicago and review the Chicago RLTO. Consult a qualified Chicago attorney for high-value deposit disputes.
