Texas Apartment Move-In Inspection Checklist (2026)

Texas does not force your landlord to walk units with you on day one — but when move-out arrives, 30-day deposit rules turn into a photo contest. Shoot and email before you unpack the mattress; that carpet stain was there when you arrived, and you want proof.

Gear for the first hour

• Phone charged + cloud backup on
• Flashlight for closets and under sinks
• Sticky note labeled with unit number + date for wide shots
• Copy of the lease start page showing unit ID

If the office hands you a move-in form, still take your own photos — forms get lost.

Room-by-room defect hunt

Space	Do not skip
Entry	Door gaps, lock scratch marks, carpet transition strips
Living/bed	Wall scuffs at furniture height, outlet cover cracks
Kitchen	Burner ignition, oven smell, dishwasher leak under sink
Bath	Caulk mildew, toilet rock, exhaust fan hum
Windows	Locks, screens, fog between double panes
HVAC	Run cool 10 minutes — weak airflow today becomes a July fight (texas-landlord-ac-repair-habitability)
Balcony/patio	Drain clogs, railing rust

Pattern: wide shot → close-up → note in email log.

Email log template

Subject: Move-in condition — Unit [number], [date]

Attached: photos/video of pre-existing items:
- Living room: carpet stain northeast corner
- Guest bath: vanity drawer does not close
- HVAC: master bedroom vent minimal airflow

Please confirm receipt and repair timeline.

Send to the official leasing inbox — not only the friendly agent’s personal text thread.

A common snag: roommates assume the lease signer’s photos cover everyone on a joint lease — share the folder if all names are liable.

Tie paperwork to utilities and DPS

Same week you document the unit:

• Start electric service in your name for residency proof
• Keep a copy of the lease for DPS (two address documents often = lease + utility)

Deposit law at move-out lives in texas-security-deposit-return-timeline — different statute section than move-in, same evidence standard.

This is not legal advice

Practical documentation only — not a substitute for a tenant attorney. Broad Texas tenant overview: texas-renters-rights-basics.

Property Code anchor

• Texas Property Code Chapter 92