Condition assessment at move-in and move-out
How to invest in yourself — further education and certificates
Managing condition assessments at move-in and move-out is a concrete objective in the education, and it is a task that requires both professional and legal insight. An inspection that is poorly documented can create conflicts between tenant and landlord — an inspection that is thorough and fair protects both parties.
§The rules behind inspection
Move-in and move-out inspections in rental housing are regulated through the Rent Act, and there is a separate guide on move-in and move-out inspections, repairs and maintenance in private rental properties. For landlords who rent out more than one property, there is a duty to conduct a move-out inspection, and the inspection should as a rule be conducted no later than two weeks after it is established that the property has been vacated. Landlords with only one rented property do not have the same duty to conduct the inspection itself, but instead must assert any repair demands against the tenant within the same two-week period, unless otherwise agreed.
§Individual turning task
A good move-in inspection is just as important as the move-out inspection because it sets the reference for how the dwelling looked at move-in. Missing items or water damage wear on floors damage to white goods and surfaces should be noted and preferably documented with photos immediately. What is not registered at move-in can later be difficult to judge whether it was there before or arose during the tenancy.
§Normal wear versus neglect
A tenant should not return the property in better condition than it was upon move-in and the landlord may therefore expect some deterioration as a result of normal wear and tear — the kind that occurs from normal responsible use over time. Non-performance is something else: damage caused by negligence lack of maintenance by the tenant or directly harmful behavior. Being able to distinguish between the two and justify the assessment objectively is the core of a good condition assessment.
| Example | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Lighter wear marks in floor lacquer after years of use | Normal wear |
| Burn marks or liquid damage on the floor | Can be breach |
| Folds that let the roof move. | Normal wear |
| Holes after installation without restoration | Can be breach, depending on the agreement |
§Your role as a property service technician
You are often the one who performs the actual inspection on behalf of a landlord or housing association, and your professional assessment carries weight if a case later needs to be decided. Be systematic, use the same check points each time, and maintain a professional, impartial tone toward both parties — even when the mood is tense.
“A good inspection is boring to read — because there is nothing to discuss afterwards.”
— Professional view on condition assessment.