For renters
Walk through the home before occupancy when possible, describe existing conditions objectively, and retain the completed record and related communications.
New York Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist
Build a clear room-by-room record, compare move-in with move-out, and keep a private copy.
Part of the Landlord Operations Hub
Private by defaultMultiple local recordsNeutral comparisonOfficial-source timelines
Preparing your private local checklist…
Document facts while they are easy to verify.
For move-out
Use the timeline as a planning reference, request the inspection in writing when applicable, attend if you choose, and keep the itemized post-inspection communication.
For both parties
Use the same room labels and item names at both inspections. Agreement is clearer when the record separates observations from conclusions.
From blank checklist to a durable record.
- 1
Choose a record type
Start a move-in, move-out, or comparison checklist.
- 2
Add the property basics
Record only the details you want included in your report.
- 3
Confirm the housing category
The timeline engine uses a supported rule or clearly asks you to verify coverage.
- 4
Inspect room by room
Select conditions, write objective notes, and add photo references.
- 5
Review unresolved items
Filter follow-ups, cleaning items, damage, and anything not working.
- 6
Keep a copy
Print, export JSON, copy the summary, or optionally email a PDF.
Verify the rule that applies to your home.
NY GOL § 7-107 - rent-stabilized dwellings ↗NY GOL § 7-108 - other covered dwellings ↗NYS Homes and Community Renewal lease guidance ↗NY Attorney General tenants’ rights guide ↗
Legal status can be fact-specific. The checklist does not determine rent regulation, coverage, liability, or entitlement. Read Botway’s inspection and security-deposit guide →
Managing the complete turnover lifecycle?
Open the Turnover Countdown Planner → or open the New York Landlord Security Deposit Checklist →
Inspection records, privacy, and timing.
Who is this checklist for?
It is designed primarily for New York renters, while remaining usable by owners, managers, or both parties together.
Does my role change the checklist?
No. Role is report context only; it does not alter rooms, conditions, completion, legal rules, or calculations.
Where is my checklist saved?
Working records are stored locally in this browser on this device.
Does Botway upload my photos?
No. This version stores only optional reminders, counts, and filenames or references - not image files.
Can I keep multiple inspections?
Yes. Create, rename, duplicate, switch among, delete, and export multiple local records.
Can I move a checklist to another device?
Export its structured JSON file, then import that file on the other device. Import creates a new record ID.
What can I record for each item?
A condition, objective notes, follow-up flag, photo reminder, photo completion reference, and photo count.
Can I customize the rooms?
Yes. Add, rename, reorder, duplicate, remove, or mark rooms not applicable; items can also be added or removed.
What does comparison mode decide?
Nothing automatically. You choose a neutral change label for each item.
Does the tool decide who caused damage?
No. It never assigns responsibility, ordinary wear, damages, deductibility, or deposit amounts.
What is the supported move-out inspection window?
For the supported categories, the reference window is no earlier than 14 days and no later than 7 days before tenancy ends.
How is the 48-hour rule measured?
As at least 48 exact hours between the written-notice reference and the inspection date and time.
What if termination notice was less than two weeks?
The tool shows a caution and does not conclude that a right was lost.
When is the deposit-return reference calculated?
Fourteen calendar days after the actual vacate or surrender date you enter, for supported categories.
Does the 14-day reference use the lease end date?
No. It uses the actual vacate or surrender date entered in the record.
What law is used for rent-stabilized homes?
The current rule record cites New York General Obligations Law § 7-107.
What law is used for non-rent-stabilized homes?
The current rule record cites New York General Obligations Law § 7-108.
What about rent-controlled apartments?
The tool marks the timeline as requiring review instead of borrowing another category’s rule.
What about subsidized or unusual housing?
Select special housing or unknown status and verify coverage through official sources or qualified advice.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is an informational recordkeeping and planning tool.
Can I print the report?
Yes. Use Print / save PDF for a browser printout based on the same report data shown on the page.
Can I email the report?
Yes, optionally. Emailing sends the report to Botway’s server for PDF delivery and creates an informational inquiry record.
Does using the checklist create a sales lead?
No. On-screen use and local saving do not. An optional email request creates an informational inquiry, not a tenant sales funnel.
How often are the legal references reviewed?
Botway’s compliance schedule calls for review at least every six months; the tool shows unsupported status rather than guessing.
What this covers
- What it answers
- Create renter-facing inspection records with photos, notes, signatures, and exports.
- Who it is for
- Renters.
- What it does not cover
- Legal, tax, and accounting advice. The result is an estimate for illustration.