Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Texas

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 Texas law says

Itemized deductions	Required: written description and itemized list of all deductions, with the balance of the deposit. No deductions for normal wear and tear. Not required if the tenant owes rent at surrender and there is no dispute about the amount owed. Source: Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.104
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Defined by statute: deterioration that results from the intended use of the dwelling (including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition for repair purposes), but not deterioration resulting from negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse of the premises, equipment or furnishings by the tenant, household members or guests. A landlord may not keep any part of a security deposit to cover normal wear and tear, and must itemize deductions in writing. The statute does not list specific cleaning, painting or carpet charges; those are judged against the wear-and-tear definition and the lease. A fee charged in lieu of a security deposit also may not be used for normal wear and tear (Sec. 92.111). Source: Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.001(4); 92.104

Itemized deductions

Required: written description and itemized list of all deductions, with the balance of the deposit. No deductions for normal wear and tear. Not required if the tenant owes rent at surrender and there is no dispute about the amount owed.

Source: Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.104

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Defined by statute: deterioration that results from the intended use of the dwelling (including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition for repair purposes), but not deterioration resulting from negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse of the premises, equipment or furnishings by the tenant, household members or guests. A landlord may not keep any part of a security deposit to cover normal wear and tear, and must itemize deductions in writing. The statute does not list specific cleaning, painting or carpet charges; those are judged against the wear-and-tear definition and the lease.

A fee charged in lieu of a security deposit also may not be used for normal wear and tear (Sec. 92.111).

Source: Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.001(4); 92.104

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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 · Texas 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.