Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in New York

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 New York law says

Itemized deductions	Itemized statement showing the basis for any amount retained, within 14 days of move-out. Deductions limited to reasonable, itemized costs for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities, and moving/storage of tenant belongings. Tenant may request a pre-move-out inspection, after which the landlord must give an itemized list of proposed repairs/cleaning. Landlord bears the burden of proving the reasonableness of any amount retained (§ 7-108(1-a)(f)). Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(b), (d), (e)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined by statute. A landlord may retain only reasonable, itemized amounts for unpaid rent, damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities owed directly to the landlord, and moving and storage of the tenant's belongings, and may not retain any amount for ordinary wear and tear of occupancy. The tenant may request a pre-move-out inspection (one to two weeks before move-out, on 48 hours' notice) and then cure listed repair or cleaning items. The landlord bears the burden of proving deductions are reasonable. Itemized statement due within 14 days after move-out or the landlord forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit. Rent-stabilized and rent-controlled units follow additional rules. Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(b), (d)-(f)

Itemized deductions

Itemized statement showing the basis for any amount retained, within 14 days of move-out. Deductions limited to reasonable, itemized costs for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities, and moving/storage of tenant belongings. Tenant may request a pre-move-out inspection, after which the landlord must give an itemized list of proposed repairs/cleaning.

Landlord bears the burden of proving the reasonableness of any amount retained (§ 7-108(1-a)(f)).

Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(b), (d), (e)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined by statute. A landlord may retain only reasonable, itemized amounts for unpaid rent, damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities owed directly to the landlord, and moving and storage of the tenant's belongings, and may not retain any amount for ordinary wear and tear of occupancy. The tenant may request a pre-move-out inspection (one to two weeks before move-out, on 48 hours' notice) and then cure listed repair or cleaning items. The landlord bears the burden of proving deductions are reasonable.

Itemized statement due within 14 days after move-out or the landlord forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit. Rent-stabilized and rent-controlled units follow additional rules.

Source: N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108(1-a)(b), (d)-(f)

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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 · New York 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.