Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in California

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What California law says

Itemized deductions	The landlord must give an itemized statement of deductions. For deductions over $125, it must include copies of receipts or invoices, or the landlord's own time and hourly rate. If work cannot be finished within 21 days, a good-faith estimate is allowed, with documents due within 14 days of completion. Deductions for repairs or cleaning must include photographs. The tenant may also request a pre-move-out initial inspection, at which the landlord lists proposed deductions so the tenant can fix them. Photo rules from AB 2801 (2024): since April 1, 2025, photos are required at move-out (before repairs) and again after repairs. For tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025, photos are also required at move-in. Deductions are not allowed for ordinary wear and tear or for conditions that existed before the tenancy. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(f), (g), (h)(2)-(5)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	The statute does not define ordinary wear and tear, but the landlord may not charge for it, its effects, or conditions that existed before the tenancy, including the cumulative effects of wear across tenancies. Deductions are limited to reasonable amounts to repair damage caused by the tenant or the tenant's guests and to clean the unit back to its move-in level of cleanliness. Professional carpet or other professional cleaning may be charged only if reasonably necessary to restore move-in condition, excluding ordinary wear and tear. Landlords must photograph the unit at move-out (from April 1, 2025) and at move-in (tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025). Photo requirements were added by AB 2801 (2024). Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(b)(2)-(3), (e), (g)

Itemized deductions

The landlord must give an itemized statement of deductions. For deductions over $125, it must include copies of receipts or invoices, or the landlord's own time and hourly rate. If work cannot be finished within 21 days, a good-faith estimate is allowed, with documents due within 14 days of completion. Deductions for repairs or cleaning must include photographs. The tenant may also request a pre-move-out initial inspection, at which the landlord lists proposed deductions so the tenant can fix them.

Photo rules from AB 2801 (2024): since April 1, 2025, photos are required at move-out (before repairs) and again after repairs. For tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025, photos are also required at move-in. Deductions are not allowed for ordinary wear and tear or for conditions that existed before the tenancy.

Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(f), (g), (h)(2)-(5)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

The statute does not define ordinary wear and tear, but the landlord may not charge for it, its effects, or conditions that existed before the tenancy, including the cumulative effects of wear across tenancies. Deductions are limited to reasonable amounts to repair damage caused by the tenant or the tenant's guests and to clean the unit back to its move-in level of cleanliness. Professional carpet or other professional cleaning may be charged only if reasonably necessary to restore move-in condition, excluding ordinary wear and tear. Landlords must photograph the unit at move-out (from April 1, 2025) and at move-in (tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025).

Photo requirements were added by AB 2801 (2024). Re-verified 2026-10-27.

Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(b)(2)-(3), (e), (g)

Fill it in

Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted, and keep a signed copy.

MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · California tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.