Moving soon? Use this move-in checklist Midland MI to document every room—fast. Whether you’re renting a home or duplex, this guide shows exactly what to photograph and test on Day 1 (appliances, plumbing, windows/locks, GFCIs), how to label files, and when to submit your condition report so there’s no confusion later. Follow the step-by-step walkthrough, wear-vs-damage tips, and move-out timeline to protect your security deposit and start your tenancy on the right foot.
- 1) Why This Checklist Matters in Midland, MI
- 2) Quick Checklist (Copy / Print)
- 3) What to Bring & How Long It Takes
- 4) Step-By-Step: The Perfect Move-In Walkthrough
- 5) Room-By-Room Details (what to check & photograph)
- 6) Photo/Video Evidence Method
- 7) Wear vs. Damage (What’s Usually Billable)
- 8) First-Week Checklist (Post–Move-In)
- 9) Maintenance: Who Handles What?
- 10) Move-Out Countdown (T–30 → Turn-in)
- 11) Cleaning & Repairs: Pro-Level Final Pass
- 12) Pet Notes (Move-In & Move-Out)
- 13) Self-Audit Rubric (Score Yourself)
- 14) Templates
- 15) FAQs
- 16) Next Steps & Helpful Links
1) Why This Checklist Matters in Midland, MI
Renters in Midland and nearby communities (Auburn, Sanford, Freeland) often lease homes and duplexes, not just apartments. Clear documentation accelerates repairs, reduces disputes, and protects your deposit under Michigan standards. Winters introduce freeze–thaw stress (drafts, condensation), so day-one notes on windows, seals, ventilation, and exterior safety pay off at move-out.
Goal: Establish a shared “as-is” baseline on Day 1—and a clean, damage-free handoff on move-out.
2) Quick Checklist (Copy / Print)
- Photograph each room: 1–2 wide + 2–4 detail shots.
- Test: outlets (use a phone charger), switches, fans, GFCIs, appliances, locks.
- Check plumbing: hot/cold pressure, drains, under-sink leaks.
- Inspect windows/screens/locks; note drafts or condensation between panes.
- Log issues in a Move-In Report; submit within your lease window (often 48–72 hours).
- Create shared photo folders: /Move-In/RoomName/ with clear filenames.
- At move-out: repeat photos after cleaning, return all keys/remotes/fobs, and provide a forwarding address.
3) What to Bring & How Long It Takes
Tools: Smartphone with storage, USB charger, sticky notes/blue tape, flashlight, small thermometer (for hot-water check ~110–120°F), microfiber cloths.
Time: 45–60 minutes for a typical 2–3 bedroom home/duplex (longer if you run appliance test cycles).
4) Step-By-Step: The Perfect Move-In Walkthrough
Step 1 — Prep: Confirm lease dates, any pro-rated rent, utilities you activate, where/how to submit your Move-In Condition Report, and the deadline (commonly 48–72 hours from key pickup).
Step 2 — Sweep: Go room by room; shoot wide → then detail; tag issues with sticky notes.
Step 3 — Test: If it moves or makes noise, test it. Doors, windows, fans, disposal, dishwasher quick cycle, range/oven ignition, microwave, thermostat, GFCIs.
Step 4 — Label: Use consistent filenames and room folders (templates below).
Step 5 — Submit: Send your Move-In Report + photo link the same day (or within the lease window).
5) Room-By-Room Details (what to check & photograph)
Entry & Living Areas
- Floors: scratches, gaps, lifting planks, carpet stains/odors.
- Walls/trim: nail holes, paint chips, settling cracks.
- Doors/locks: latch alignment, deadbolt turn, weatherstripping.
- Electrical: outlet/switch test, plates secure, no heat/flicker.
- Smoke/CO: present; press test button.
Kitchen
- Fridge: interior light, gasket seal, shelves/clips intact.
- Range/oven: burners ignite, oven preheats, no abnormal smells.
- Dishwasher: run a quick cycle; look underneath for drips/leaks.
- Microwave: light and turntable.
- Sink/plumbing: hot/cold pressure, disposal function, no leaks under sink.
- Cabinets/counters: secure hinges, smooth drawer slides, intact caulk.
- GFCI: test/reset near water.
Bathrooms
- Vent fan: tissue test for suction.
- Fixtures: drips at faucets, shower diverter, toilet wobble/slow refill.
- Surfaces: grout/caulk, chips in enamel.
- Drainage: tub/sink/shower drain within reasonable time.
Bedrooms
- Windows: locks, smooth open/close, intact screens, no fog between panes.
- Closets: shelf brackets tight; doors track smoothly.
- Outlets: verify a few per wall with a charger.
Laundry/Mechanical
- Washer: hoses snug, no bulges/standing water.
- Dryer: heats and blows at exterior vent.
- Thermostat/HVAC: system responds; heat/cool cycles.
- Water heater: no leaks; TPR discharge line present.
Exterior (if applicable)
- Steps/railings sturdy, porch/garage lights working, mailbox intact.
Pro tip: Include a coin or finger for scale in close-ups.
6) Photo/Video Evidence Method
- Angles: 1–2 wide per room, then close-ups of issues.
- Lighting: lights on + blinds open; avoid backlight.
- Filenames: Year-Month-Day + Room + Subject (examples below).
- Folders: /Move-In/RoomName/ and later /Move-Out/RoomName/.
- Video sweep: a 10–20 second slow pan per room after stills.
- Share: cloud link with read access; keep original timestamps.
7) Wear vs. Damage (What’s Usually Billable)
Floors
| Situation | Typically Wear | Typically Chargeable |
| Light traffic marks | Yes | — |
| Deep gouges from furniture | — | Yes |
| Normal carpet wear path | Yes | — |
| Large stains/burns | — | Yes |
Walls/Trim
| Situation | Typically Wear | Typically Chargeable |
| Minor scuffs | Yes | — |
| Many unpatched holes | — | Yes |
| Hairline settling cracks | Yes | — |
| Unauthorized paint color | — | Yes |
Fixtures & Appliances
| Situation | Typically Wear | Typically Chargeable |
| Age-related fridge gasket wear | Yes | — |
| Broken shelves/missing parts | — | Yes |
| Normal oven discoloration | Yes | — |
| Melted racks/intentional damage | — | Yes |
(Always follow your specific lease and documentation.)
8) First-Week Checklist (Post–Move-In)
- Change HVAC filter if your lease assigns it (note date/size).
- Map GFCIs and breaker panel labels.
- Note intermittent issues (flicker, slow drains) and submit a request with video.
- Test all keys, garage remotes, mailbox access.
- Confirm trash/recycling days; store bins properly.
9) Maintenance: Who Handles What?
| Item | Tenant Typically Handles* | Midland Rentals Handles |
| Light bulbs / detector batteries | Yes (if lease states) | — |
| HVAC filter | Sometimes (per lease) | Often provided/handled |
| Small nail hole fill/paint | If allowed by lease | — |
| Leaks, appliance failure, HVAC/electrical, safety issues | — | Yes (submit a request) |
*Always check your lease.
When to submit: Anything unsafe, leaking, non-functional, or worsening—attach photos/video and your availability window.
10) Move-Out Countdown (T–30 → Turn-in)
T–30 days
- Re-read lease: notice, cleaning, carpet clauses, paint rules.
- Schedule carpet cleaning only if required.
T–14 days
- Patch small nail holes (if allowed), replace burnt bulbs, deep-clean kitchen/baths.
- Test everything; submit maintenance for items that should be working.
T–3 days
- Final clean: oven/stove, fridge (defrost if needed), baseboards, window tracks, mirrors, floors.
- Porch/yard tidy (if applicable). Remove all trash and personal items.
Key day
- Photograph after cleaning with rooms empty.
- Return all keys/remotes/fobs; email your forwarding address.
11) Cleaning & Repairs: Pro-Level Final Pass
- Kitchen: degrease hood/backsplash, clean cabinet fronts/handles, polish stainless with a clean microfiber.
- Bathrooms: remove soap scum and hard-water spots; clean grout/caulk lines; shine glass.
- Floors: edge-vac, then mop; lift area rugs and clean underneath.
- Walls/trim: gently wipe high-touch zones (around switches/handles).
- Odors: neutral clean—avoid heavy fragrances that suggest cover-ups.
Photo immediately after cleaning each room—this is your best evidence.
12) Pet Notes (Move-In & Move-Out)
- Move-In: document any pre-existing scratches on doors/frames, floor scuffs, or blind damage at pet height.
- During tenancy: use area rugs and door guards; keep litter boxes/crates on mats.
- Move-Out: de-fur vents/returns, treat spot odors, address minor rubs where allowed.
13) Self-Audit Rubric (Score Yourself)
Score each area 0–2 (0 = risky, 2 = strong). Target 12–14 before you turn in keys.
- Photos labeled & uploaded (Day 1 and Move-Out) … 0 / 1 / 2
- All rooms (wide + detail) covered …………………… 0 / 1 / 2
- Appliances/plumbing/electrical tested ……………… 0 / 1 / 2
- Issues reported within lease window ………………… 0 / 1 / 2
- Final clean to checklist standard ……………………… 0 / 1 / 2
- Keys/remotes returned & itemized …………………… 0 / 1 / 2
- Forwarding address sent in writing …………………… 0 / 1 / 2
12–14 = Excellent | 9–11 = Solid | ≤8 = Revisit the steps above before turn-in.
14) Templates
Move-In Condition Email — Subject
Move-In Condition Report – [Property Address], [Your Name]
Move-In Condition Email — Body
Hi Midland Rentals Team,
I completed my Day-1 walkthrough on [date]. Photos are organized by room here: [Share Link].
Highlights to note:
• Living Room – paint chip under front window (2025-10-14_LivingRoom_Detail2.jpg)
• Kitchen – dishwasher completes but is noisy on quick rinse (2025-10-14_Kitchen_DW_QuickRinse.mp4)
• Bath 1 – slow sink drain (2025-10-14_Bath1_Drain_Slow.jpg)
Please confirm receipt. Thank you!
[Name] | [Phone]
Move-Out Turn-In Email — Subject
Move-Out – [Property Address], Keys Returned + Forwarding Address
Move-Out Turn-In Email — Body
Hi Midland Rentals Team,
I completed cleaning and returned [# keys, # remotes, # fobs] on [date/time].
Photos and video of the empty, cleaned home are here: [Share Link].
Forwarding address for deposit return: [Address].
Thanks,
[Name] | [Phone]
Filenames (examples to follow)
2025-10-14_LivingRoom_Wide1.jpg
2025-10-14_Kitchen_Range_Igniters.jpg
2025-10-14_Bath1_Caulk_Tub_BackWall.jpg
2025-10-14_Bed2_Window_Lock_Closeup.jpg
Folder Structure (suggested)
Top level: Tenant-Name_Property-Address
Subfolders: /Move-In/RoomName/ and /Move-Out/RoomName/ (e.g., /Move-In/Kitchen/, /Move-Out/LivingRoom/)
Printable One-Page Checklist (text)
Room: ________ | Wide Photos: ☐ ☐ | Detail Photos: ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Outlets/switches tested: ☐ | GFCI test/reset: ☐ | Doors/locks: ☐
Windows/screens/locks: ☐ | Floors/walls/trim noted: ☐
Plumbing pressure/drain ok: ☐ | Under-sink leak check: ☐
Issues (brief): _____________________________
Initials/Date: ___________
Key/Remote Return Note (drop into your move-out email)
Returned: [#] house keys, [#] garage remotes, [#] fobs, [#] mailbox keys.
Utilities end date requested: [date].
Forwarding address: [address].
15) FAQs
How many photos should I take?
At least 10–15 per room plus close-ups of any issues.
When is my Move-In Report due?
Often 48–72 hours after key pickup—check your lease for the exact deadline.
Do I need professional carpet cleaning?
Only if your lease requires it. If so, schedule once furniture is out to avoid re-soiling.
Can I paint or install shelves?
Only with written approval. Unauthorized changes may be billable to restore.
What if something fails mid-lease?
Submit a maintenance request immediately with photos/video and your best contact times.
16) Next Steps & Helpful Links
- Apply Now (applications page).
- Browse Available Homes & Duplexes (inventory page).
- Tenant Resources (guide hub).
- Request Maintenance (service form).
- Related Guides: Pet Policies; Tips for Choosing the Right Rental.
