Los Angeles Move-In Walkthrough Guide for Landlords (CA Security Deposit Rules)

Move-In Walkthrough Tips (California)

A calm, well-documented move-in walkthrough protects both landlord and tenant and sets the baseline for the security deposit. Some walkthroughs take 5 minutes; others take 2+ hours. The goal is clarity, not conflict.

1) The walkthrough is documentation (not negotiation)

Some tenants go line-by-line; others sign quickly. Either is fine as long as the record is accurate. Landlords should stay relaxed and reasonable — and tenants should be reasonable too.

2) Cleaning is the baseline

Normal wear and tear is ordinary deterioration from reasonable use (minor scuffs, light paint wear). Excess dirt, grime, or trash left behind is not typically “normal wear and tear.” Document the cleaning standard at move-in.

Practical tip: Photograph high-dispute areas (oven interior, fridge, tubs/showers, cabinet interiors, baseboards).

3) Photos: take them at move-in

Photos are your best “receipt.” Take wide shots of each room (all corners) plus close-ups of any existing wear (chips, stains, scratches). Organize and store by property and date.

4) Keys, codes & clickers: list quantities

• Front door keys (quantity)
• Mailbox key(s)
• Garage remote(s) / clickers
• Gate device(s) / building fob(s)
• Alarm / smart lock code(s) (if applicable)

Access Log Template

Item	Qty	Notes
Front door keys
Mailbox keys
Fobs / gate devices
Garage remotes / clickers
Codes (alarm/smart lock)

5) Smoke & CO detectors

Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and functional at move-in. Note battery condition if relevant.

6) Do not give keys before the lease start date

Handing over keys is the “no-return” moment. Do not provide keys or access before the lease start date. Requests like “can I just get a package?” or “can movers drop a box?” can create possession and liability issues, especially if the lease is not yet in effect.

7) Rare case: tenant becomes unreasonably problematic

If the walkthrough becomes confrontational, unproductive, or the tenant refuses objective documentation, pause and reschedule. Do not release keys until the walkthrough record can be completed calmly and in good faith.

Sample Move-In Walkthrough Checklist (template)

Category	Condition notes
Walls & paint
Flooring
Windows / blinds
Kitchen appliances
Bathrooms
Smoke / CO detectors (working)
Overall cleaning condition delivered
Notes / agreed follow-ups

Tenant Signature: ____________________    Landlord/Agent: ____________________    Date: ____________

FAQ

How long should a move-in walkthrough take?

Anywhere from 5 minutes to 2+ hours. The right length is whatever it takes to document the condition clearly.

Is leaving the unit dirty “normal wear and tear”?

Not typically. Normal wear and tear is ordinary deterioration. Excess dirt/grime or a lower cleaning level than move-in is why the move-in baseline matters.

Can a tenant get keys early or have movers drop items before the lease starts?

Best practice is no. Early access can create possession and liability issues and blur the lease commencement date.

What if a tenant becomes unreasonably difficult during the walkthrough?

Pause, reschedule, and reset expectations. Do not release keys until the walkthrough record can be completed calmly and in good faith.

General informational content only; not legal advice. For specific guidance, consult qualified counsel. (Non-salesy note: Keybox uses a structured checklist + photo workflow to keep move-ins consistent and low-stress.)