Move-in and move-out inventory: complete guide
Updated on July 1, 2026 · 6 min read
The inventory precisely describes the property at move-in and move-out. It is the key document to justify — or challenge — a deduction from the security deposit.
What is it for?
By comparing move-in and move-out states, one distinguishes normal wear (landlord’s responsibility) from tenant-caused damage. Without a move-in inventory, the property is presumed handed over in good condition.
What it must contain
A usable inventory details, room by room:
- floors, walls, ceilings and their condition;
- equipment (kitchen, bathroom, heating);
- meter readings and keys handed over;
- ideally, dated photos of each room.
The power of photos
Dated photos remove most ambiguities. Doing the inventory directly on a phone, with built-in photos, produces a precise and hard-to-dispute document. Lokatix supports photo inventories with e-signature.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the inventory mandatory?
- Not required by law but strongly recommended: without it, proving damage at move-out is very hard.
- How long to return the deposit?
- In principle 1 month if the move-out inventory matches move-in, 2 months if there are justified deductions.