Washington Move-In Checklist: Key Inspections & Disclosures

Moving into a rental home or apartment in Washington can be exciting—but it’s vital to carefully inspect the property before signing a lease. A thorough move-in inspection checklist helps protect your finances, ensures fair treatment, and gives you stronger grounds if disputes ever arise. Washington State has specific inspection and disclosure rules that every renter should know before committing to a new home.

Why Move-In Inspections Matter in Washington

Washington law requires landlords to provide a written “move-in checklist” before collecting a security deposit. This document, also called a checklist or condition report, describes the state of the property when you move in. Both the landlord and tenant must sign and date it. This protects your security deposit and helps prevent disagreements about property damage when you move out.^[1]

What to Look for: The Essential Move-In Checklist

Before you sign your lease or hand over deposit money, inspect your new rental thoroughly. Bring a camera or phone to document any damage, wear, or cleanliness concerns. Go room-by-room and inspect:

• Walls and Floors: Check for stains, cracks, holes, and scuffs
• Doors and Windows: Ensure all open, close, and lock properly—note any broken latches or screens
• Plumbing: Run faucets, flush toilets, check for leaks, and inspect under sinks for water damage
• Appliances: Test the oven, fridge, stove, dishwasher, and washers/dryers (if provided)
• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure each works and is installed as required by law
• Carpet and Flooring: Look for stains, burns, or tears
• Heating and Cooling Systems: Test thermostats, radiators, or AC units
• Light Fixtures and Electrical: Flip every switch and test out all outlets
• Cleanliness: Note any trash, pests, or overall uncleanliness on move-in

Document everything in writing and with photos or videos for your records. Both you and the landlord or their agent must review and sign the checklist.

Required Move-In Forms and Legal Documents

Washington law specifically requires two key documents for renters before move-in:

• Move-In Checklist (Condition Inventory): Landlords must provide a completed checklist at move-in and before collecting any security deposit. Both parties should sign and keep a copy. Washington does not assign a form number, but you can use the official move-in checklist template offered by the Washington Attorney General’s Office or a similar document. For example, before turning over your deposit, you and your landlord should walk through the home and fill out the checklist together, noting anything abnormal or damaged.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Form EPA 747-K-99-001): For properties built before 1978, landlords must provide tenants with this disclosure form and a federal EPA lead hazard information pamphlet.
  How it’s used: Your landlord should give you this form before you sign the lease. You’ll review and sign to confirm you’ve been notified, protecting your health and legal rights.

Other required disclosures may include landlord’s contact information, mold information, and all rules about fees or shared utilities.^[2]

Knowing Your Rights Under Washington Law

According to the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, landlords are legally obligated to:

• Provide the move-in checklist prior to collecting any security deposit
• Return your security deposit after move-out, minus only legitimate deductions (with a detailed statement)
• Disclose all required health or safety hazards

If your landlord refuses to provide the proper checklist or disclosures, you can contact the Washington Attorney General’s Office Landlord-Tenant Section or file a complaint with your local city code enforcement office.

Steps to Take Before Signing Your Lease

To avoid costly surprises and disputes in Washington State, take these action steps:

• Schedule a walk-through inspection before signing or paying your deposit.
• Fill out the move-in checklist, review it with your landlord, and sign it together.
• Take clear, dated photos or videos of all rooms, fixtures, and noted damages.
• Request and keep copies of all forms, disclosures, and your signed lease.
• If your rental is in a building constructed before 1978, require the lead-based paint disclosure before signing.
• If anything is missing or unclear, ask your landlord (in writing) to provide the required documents before proceeding.

Following these steps shows you understand your rights and helps ensure a smoother renting experience.

FAQ: Move-In Checklist and Inspections in Washington

1. Do I have to sign a move-in checklist in Washington?
   Yes—under state law, both landlord and tenant must sign the checklist if the landlord collects a security deposit. This protects both parties and documents the property’s condition.
2. What happens if my landlord doesn’t provide a move-in checklist?
   If the landlord doesn’t provide the checklist but collects a security deposit, they may forfeit the right to keep part or all of your deposit for damages beyond normal wear and tear at move-out.
3. How do I document the condition of the unit when I move in?
   Fill out the official checklist with your landlord, note all damage in writing, and take photos or video as independent evidence in case of dispute.
4. Is the landlord required to give me any other disclosures before I move in?
   Yes, for buildings built before 1978, you must receive a lead-based paint disclosure. Other disclosures may be required depending on the city or property specifics.
5. Who oversees tenant and landlord disputes in Washington?
   The Washington Attorney General’s Office provides guidance and handles complaints, but many cities and counties also have local resources and code enforcement offices.

Key Takeaways for Washington Renters

• Always complete a written, signed move-in checklist before paying a deposit
• Keep copies and evidence to protect your deposit and rights
• Know which disclosures your landlord must provide under Washington law

Taking these steps will help ensure a fair, safe, and successful move-in experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington Attorney General’s Office Landlord-Tenant Section – Guidance, forms, and complaints
• Washington Tenant Rights Overview – Overview of tenant protections and advice
• HUD Washington Renting Resources – Additional federal rental help
• For local issues, check with your city or county’s code enforcement or housing services

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1. Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, RCW 59.18.260
2. Washington Attorney General’s Office, Landlord-Tenant Handbook

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