The Washington move-in/move-out checklist provides property owners a record of a dwelling unit’s condition and cleanliness before and after a tenant’s occupancy. The owner is obligated to complete and provide this document to the resident at the start of their tenancy and before collecting their security deposit. Both parties may benefit from the completion of the checklist to avoid disagreements between any claims made to withhold portions of a security deposit due to damages caused by the resident. However, deductions to a security deposit cannot be made on account of reasonable wear and tear of the dwelling unit or its furnishings. Upon completing a move-in inspection, both the resident and owner (or their agent) must sign and date the checklist, although only the owner or their agent is required to sign the move-out portion of the inspection.

Laws – § 59.18.260