California landlord forms / Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist

California Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist

$19

A room-by-room condition record signed by landlord and tenant at move-in, then reused at move-out — the single best protection against a disputed security deposit deduction.

Core state figures — deposit caps, notice periods, entry rules — independently verified by a licensed U.S. attorney.

Start my move-in / move-out inspection checklist — $19

What California law requires

Security deposit cap: 1 month' rent
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5 (as amended by AB 12) · source
Deposit return deadline: 21 days after move-out
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)(1) · source
Month-to-month termination notice: 60 days
Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.1 · source
Pay-or-quit notice (late rent): 3 days
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1161(2) · source
Landlord entry notice: 1 day
Cal. Civ. Code § 1954(d)(1) · source
Late fee guidance: 6% of monthly rent
Cal. Civ. Code § 1671 · source

Frequently asked questions

Is a move-in checklist legally required?

Some states require a written condition statement before a deposit is collected; in every state it's strong evidence if a deposit deduction is ever disputed.

Do I need to fill this out again at move-out?

Yes — compare the same rooms against the same checklist so any new damage is clear. Bundle purchasers can re-edit this document within their 12-month window.

Need more than one document?

The Complete Landlord Pack includes this document plus 5 more for California, with unlimited edits for 12 months.

See the California pack