---
title: "What Is Move-in inspection? Landlord and Renter Glossary"
description: "A move-in inspection is a written record of a home's condition at move-in, used later to judge damage versus normal wear."
url: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/move-in-inspection
publisher: Real Property Management Gold
phone: +1-301-392-2172
assessment: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment
---

Operations

# Move-in inspection

A move-in inspection is a written record of a home's condition at move-in, used later to judge damage versus normal wear.

A move-in inspection records the condition of the home on the day a tenant takes possession. It lists each room, notes scratches, stains or damage, and usually includes dated photos. At move-out, it is the baseline for what changed.

Maryland gives tenants a right here. Landlords must tell tenants in the receipt for the [security deposit](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/security-deposit) that the tenant may have the home inspected in the tenant's presence, to make a written list of damage that exists at the start of the tenancy, if the tenant asks by certified mail within 15 days of occupancy. A clear record also helps sort [normal wear and tear](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/normal-wear-and-tear) from damage.

Real Property Management Gold lists move in/out recording among its Silver plan services, and its Gold and Platinum plans include all Silver services. Ask any manager how they document condition and whether tenants get a copy. Our guide to [wear and tear versus tenant damage](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/wear-tear-tenant-damage) shows how records support a fair deposit decision.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the linked official source or talk to a Maryland attorney.

[Read nextWear and Tear or Tenant Damage? How to Tell at Move-Out](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/wear-tear-tenant-damage)

## Related terms

-   [Security deposit](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/security-deposit)
-   [Normal wear and tear](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/normal-wear-and-tear)
-   [Rent-ready](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/rent-ready)
-   [Make-ready](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/make-ready)

## Sources

1.  [Maryland General Assembly: Real Property 8-203.1, Security deposit receipt](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp&section=8-203.1&enactments=false)
2.  [Real Property Management Gold: Pricing & Fees](https://www.realpmgold.com/property-management-fees)
3.  [Real Property Management Gold: Pricing & Fees](https://www.realpmgold.com/property-management-fees)

## Ask what your home could rent for. Free.

A free rental assessment from our offices in Lexington Park and Waldorf. No cost, no contract, no pressure.

[Request a free assessment](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment)[(301) 392-2172](tel:+13013922172)