Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Virginia

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 Virginia law says

Itemized deductions	Required: written notice itemizing the deposit and any deductions, damages and charges, delivered with any refund within the 45-day period. Source: Va. Code 55.1-1226(A)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined by statute. The deposit may be applied only to accrued rent and lease-specified late charges, damages from the tenant's breach of statutory tenant duties 'less reasonable wear and tear,' other damages or charges provided in the rental agreement, and actual damages for breach. Deductions must be itemized in a written disposition statement. Cleaning, painting and carpet are not specifically addressed; they depend on the lease and the wear-and-tear limit. The tenant may request to be present at a move-out inspection, which must occur within 72 hours of delivery of possession. Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A), (E)-(G)

Itemized deductions

Required: written notice itemizing the deposit and any deductions, damages and charges, delivered with any refund within the 45-day period.

Source: Va. Code 55.1-1226(A)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined by statute. The deposit may be applied only to accrued rent and lease-specified late charges, damages from the tenant's breach of statutory tenant duties 'less reasonable wear and tear,' other damages or charges provided in the rental agreement, and actual damages for breach. Deductions must be itemized in a written disposition statement. Cleaning, painting and carpet are not specifically addressed; they depend on the lease and the wear-and-tear limit.

The tenant may request to be present at a move-out inspection, which must occur within 72 hours of delivery of possession.

Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A), (E)-(G)

Fill it in

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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 · Virginia 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.