Fillable checklist

Tenant Move In Checklist: First Week Setup (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable first-week tenant setup: lease packet, utilities, renter insurance, keys, mailbox, and condition photos. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Rentals Fillable form · 10 sections · 62 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against HUD, CFPB, Red Cross, CPSC, and USPS · Last verified Sep 16, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is the tenant first-week setup list: lease packet, utilities, renter insurance, keys, mailbox, condition photos, address change, and safety. It is not a room-by-room condition rating form.

  • 10 sections
  • 62 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Property and lease

This is a practical template, not legal advice and not an official state lease form or HUD occupancy form. Landlord-tenant rules, deposit checklists, photo rules, and utility billing vary by state. Use Done, Skip, or N/A on the to-do lines. Rate rooms on a separate move-in inspection form.

14 fields
Property and lease

Save a number from the lease or a posted notice, not from a last-minute text you cannot verify.

Example: 1st of the month. Copy the due day from the lease.

CFPB: read the lease. Gas and electric are sometimes in rent. Water, sewer, trash, internet, television, and phone are often separate.

HUD counseling: most pre-1978 rentals should come with the federal lead pamphlet and any known lead records before you sign.

Inspection station

Lease packet

HUD housing-counselor material starts with the lease: term, who manages the property, rent and utilities, the deposit, late fees, repairs, and when the landlord may enter. Mark N/A only if that paper does not apply to this rental.

9 items
Lease packet

Lease term, renewal, and end date read

HUD counseling: confirm the length of the lease, whether it renews automatically, and whether it can become month-to-month.

Lease term, renewal, and end date read: Done, Skip, or N/A

Manager or owner contact saved

Name, phone, email, and after-hours maintenance. HUD counseling: know who manages the property and how to reach them.

Manager or owner contact saved: Done, Skip, or N/A

Rent, utilities, deposit, late fees, and other fees listed

Copy the amounts and due dates from the lease. Do not invent a late-fee cap. State rules on deposits and fees differ.

Rent, utilities, deposit, late fees, and other fees listed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Repair duty and entry notice understood

HUD counseling: who repairs what, and when the landlord may enter. Follow the lease and your state notice rule. This is not legal advice.

Repair duty and entry notice understood: Done, Skip, or N/A

Security deposit receipt or lease clause kept

HUD counseling: deposit rules are state-specific. Keep the amount, where it is held if stated, and what the lease says can be withheld.

Security deposit receipt or lease clause kept: Done, Skip, or N/A

Lead pamphlet and disclosure if the home is pre-1978

HUD counseling: for housing built before 1978, you should receive the Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home pamphlet and known lead records before you sign. Mark N/A if the building is 1978 or later.

Lead pamphlet and disclosure if the home is pre-1978: Done, Skip, or N/A

Parking, pet, house rules, and other addenda attached

Confirm every addendum named in the lease is in your packet: parking, pets, mold, utilities, HOA or building rules.

Parking, pet, house rules, and other addenda attached: Done, Skip, or N/A

Signed lease copy stored with your records

Legal Aid WV: keep copies of the lease, the move-in inspection, and later messages. Paper and a second digital copy are safer than one phone album.

Signed lease copy stored with your records: Done, Skip, or N/A

How and where to pay rent confirmed

Portal, check, money order, or office drop. Save the official method from the lease. CFPB: watch for rental-payment scams that ask you to use a new account.

How and where to pay rent confirmed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Utilities and accounts

Start tenant-paid service before or on move-in day when the provider allows it. Mark N/A when the lease puts that service in the landlord's name. This is account setup, not a room-by-room systems rating.

8 items
Utilities and accounts

Lease checked for who pays each service

CFPB: gas and electric may be in the rent. Water, sewer, trash, internet, television, and phone are often extra. Write the split in Property notes.

Lease checked for who pays each service: Done, Skip, or N/A

Electric account started or confirmed landlord-paid

Legal Aid WV: if you pay utilities, contact the company and open the account. Save the confirmation number.

Electric account started or confirmed landlord-paid: Done, Skip, or N/A

Gas or other heat fuel started or confirmed landlord-paid

Natural gas, propane, or oil if the tenant pays it. Mark N/A on all-electric heat that is already on the electric line.

Gas or other heat fuel started or confirmed landlord-paid: Done, Skip, or N/A

Water, sewer, and trash started or confirmed

Some cities bill the owner and pass the charge through. Confirm the method in the lease so you are not surprised by a first bill.

Water, sewer, and trash started or confirmed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Internet or required building service scheduled

Install date, building bulk service, or landlord-provided Wi-Fi. Mark N/A if you will use only a mobile hotspot and the lease does not require a landline service.

Internet or required building service scheduled: Done, Skip, or N/A

Readable meter numbers or start readings recorded

Photograph electric, gas, and water meters if you can reach them safely. This is a billing baseline, not a condition grade. Mark N/A if meters are locked or billed only to the owner.

Readable meter numbers or start readings recorded: Done, Skip, or N/A

Start-service confirmation numbers saved

Put account and confirmation numbers in Property notes or with the lease packet.

Start-service confirmation numbers saved: Done, Skip, or N/A

Prior-address utilities closed or transferred

Stop or transfer service at the old rental so you are not billed for two homes. Mark N/A on a first rental with no prior accounts.

Prior-address utilities closed or transferred: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Renter insurance

HUD counseling treats renter insurance as a renter task: where to buy it, what it costs, and what it covers. The landlord's building policy usually does not replace your belongings.

7 items
Renter insurance

Lease insurance minimum and proof rule read

Some leases require a liability limit and that you name the owner as an interested party. Copy the lease words. Do not invent a dollar limit on this form.

Lease insurance minimum and proof rule read: Done, Skip, or N/A

Policy started or the old policy updated to this address

Legal Aid WV: if you already have renter insurance, call and give the move date and new address so coverage follows you.

Policy started or the old policy updated to this address: Done, Skip, or N/A

Belongings, liability, and extra living-cost coverage reviewed

CFPB: renter insurance pays for loss and damage to your belongings. Typical policies cover storm and fire damage. Ask the insurer what else is included.

Belongings, liability, and extra living-cost coverage reviewed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Flood and earthquake gaps understood

CFPB: typical renter insurance does not cover flood or earthquake. Flood coverage for renters may be sold separately. Tenants often get no flood-risk notice with the unit.

Flood and earthquake gaps understood: Done, Skip, or N/A

Proof of insurance sent if the lease requires it

Upload to the portal or email the office. Save the sent receipt with the lease packet. Mark N/A if the lease does not ask for proof.

Proof of insurance sent if the lease requires it: Done, Skip, or N/A

Policy number, agent, and claim phone stored with the lease

CFPB disaster prep: keep insurance information with housing and utility account numbers so you can find it after a fire or storm.

Policy number, agent, and claim phone stored with the lease: Done, Skip, or N/A

Photos of your own belongings started for a future claim

This is your property inventory, not the unit condition record. Photograph electronics, bikes, and other high-value items as your insurer suggests.

Photos of your own belongings started for a future claim: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Keys, mailbox, and access

Count what you were handed and test each one. Write the count in Notes. Do not change locks unless the lease allows it.

8 items
Keys, mailbox, and access

Unit keys or fobs work in every issued lock

Front door, deadbolt, and any other unit lock you were given. Note a key that sticks. This is a function check, not a door-condition rating.

Unit keys or fobs work in every issued lock: Done, Skip, or N/A

Count of keys, fobs, and remotes written down

Example: 2 unit keys, 1 fob, 1 garage remote. Keep the same list for move-out so a missing device is not a surprise fee.

Count of keys, fobs, and remotes written down: Done, Skip, or N/A

Mailbox key or cluster-box code works

Open the assigned box. If the key is missing or the box number is wrong, report it the same day. Mark N/A if mail is office-hold only.

Mailbox key or cluster-box code works: Done, Skip, or N/A

Building, gate, garage, and amenity access tested

Entry fob, elevator, laundry, bike room, pool gate, or other access the lease promised. Mark N/A on a house with no shared amenities.

Building, gate, garage, and amenity access tested: Done, Skip, or N/A

Parking stall, permit, or street-parking rule confirmed

Assigned space number, visitor parking, and any permit decal. Mark N/A if the lease has no parking term.

Parking stall, permit, or street-parking rule confirmed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Gate, alarm, or lockbox codes received and stored

Do not post codes on social media. Change a temporary lockbox code if the manager says you may. Mark N/A if there are no codes.

Gate, alarm, or lockbox codes received and stored: Done, Skip, or N/A

Lock-change and extra-key rule read in the lease

Many leases forbid unapproved lock changes or require you to give the office a copy. Follow the lease and local law. This is not legal advice.

Lock-change and extra-key rule read in the lease: Done, Skip, or N/A

Lost-key or fob fee noted from the lease

Write the fee if the lease states one. Do not invent a number. Mark N/A if the lease is silent.

Lost-key or fob fee noted from the lease: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Condition photos and written notice

This section is the photo and delivery task, not a room rating. Use a separate move-in inspection form for Good, Fair, Poor lines by room. HUD counseling: document damage in writing and pictures when you sign so you are not charged for it later.

7 items
Condition photos and written notice

Walk-through offered with the landlord or manager

Legal Aid WV and California DRE: try to walk the unit with the landlord or agent before or as you move in. If they will not attend, walk it yourself and send the record anyway.

Walk-through offered with the landlord or manager: Done, Skip, or N/A

Date-stamped photos or video taken before you unpack

California DRE: take pictures of existing issues on your phone. Cover each room, appliances, floors, walls, ceilings, and meters. Do not rate those rooms on this form.

Date-stamped photos or video taken before you unpack: Done, Skip, or N/A

Existing damage listed in writing

Short list of what is already wrong. Attach it to the landlord's checklist if they gave one, or use the separate room-by-room inspection form.

Existing damage listed in writing: Done, Skip, or N/A

Photos and notes sent by a traceable method

Email, portal message, or certified mail as your lease allows. Keep the sent copy. A text alone is easy to lose.

Photos and notes sent by a traceable method: Done, Skip, or N/A

Promised repairs requested in writing

Legal Aid WV: get a repair plan in writing. List what they agreed to fix. Mark N/A if nothing was promised.

Promised repairs requested in writing: Done, Skip, or N/A

Signed condition checklist copy kept, if one was used

Washington RCW 59.18.260 requires a written, signed condition checklist before a landlord may collect a deposit. Other states differ. This line is only whether you have that copy, not the room scores.

Signed condition checklist copy kept, if one was used: Done, Skip, or N/A

Photo backup stored off the phone

CFPB disaster prep: keep a second copy of important records. Cloud or a computer copy survives a lost phone.

Photo backup stored off the phone: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

First-week safety

Red Cross home-fire steps for any household, including renters. Report missing alarms in writing. Do not disable an alarm. This is not a full electrical or fire inspection.

8 items
First-week safety

Smoke alarms found and test button used

Red Cross: install working alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas, test them once a month, and replace batteries at least once a year if the model uses them. Ask the landlord to replace a dead or missing alarm.

Smoke alarms found and test button used: Done, Skip, or N/A

Carbon monoxide alarm present if fuel appliances or an attached garage apply

Red Cross: place a CO alarm in a central location outside each separate sleeping area. Mark N/A on an all-electric unit with no attached garage if local rules do not require one.

Carbon monoxide alarm present if fuel appliances or an attached garage apply: Done, Skip, or N/A

Two ways out of each bedroom and a meeting place picked

Red Cross: every household member should know two ways out of every room and a meeting spot outside. In a high-rise, also learn the building stairs and evacuation plan.

Two ways out of each bedroom and a meeting place picked: Done, Skip, or N/A

Everyone in the household knows how to call 911

Red Cross: make sure everyone knows how to call 911. Confirm the unit number is visible on the door or mailbox so responders can find you.

Everyone in the household knows how to call 911: Done, Skip, or N/A

Space heaters and things that burn kept 3 feet from anything that can catch fire

Red Cross: keep items that can catch fire at least 3 feet from anything that gets hot, including space heaters. Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or sleep.

Space heaters and things that burn kept 3 feet from anything that can catch fire: Done, Skip, or N/A

Breaker panel and main water shutoff located

Know how to cut power or water in a leak or spark emergency, then call the office. Do not open a locked house meter. Mark N/A if the panel is in a locked common room and the office controls it.

Breaker panel and main water shutoff located: Done, Skip, or N/A

Building or unit fire extinguisher location known

Note the hallway cabinet or under-sink unit if one is provided. Mark N/A if none is supplied and you are not adding one.

Building or unit fire extinguisher location known: Done, Skip, or N/A

Missing or dead alarms reported in writing

Tell the office the same day. Keep the message. Mark N/A if every required alarm tested.

Missing or dead alarms reported in writing: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Mail and address changes

Use the official USPS site or a Post Office. USAGov: do not pay a separate company to change your address. A USPS forward does not update banks or government agencies.

7 items
Mail and address changes

USPS change of address filed on the official site or at a Post Office

USAGov: USPS.com/move or ask for a Mover's Guide (PS Form 3575). USPS: online requests charge a small identity-verification fee. Do not publish a fee here; use the amount shown on the official site that day.

USPS change of address filed on the official site or at a Post Office: Done, Skip, or N/A

No third-party address-change site paid

USAGov: scammers may charge far more than the official USPS request. Use only USPS or the Post Office.

No third-party address-change site paid: Done, Skip, or N/A

First mail delivery or package locker confirmed

Confirm the box number, office package hold, or locker app. Report a jammed box the same week.

First mail delivery or package locker confirmed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Banks, cards, employer, and insurer given the new address

USPS: a forward only changes the Post Office file. You still have to tell companies yourself.

Banks, cards, employer, and insurer given the new address: Done, Skip, or N/A

Medical offices and recurring subscriptions updated

Legal Aid WV: update medical offices, memberships, and subscriptions so bills do not go to the old unit.

Medical offices and recurring subscriptions updated: Done, Skip, or N/A

Driver license, vehicle, and voter records updated if your state requires it

USAGov lists driver license, vehicle registration, and voter registration among the government updates. Deadlines are state-specific. Mark N/A if you did not change states or your state has no immediate duty.

Driver license, vehicle, and voter records updated if your state requires it: Done, Skip, or N/A

Federal benefits or tax address updated if you use those services

USAGov: federal taxes, Social Security, veterans benefits, and immigration records are separate from USPS. Mark N/A if none apply.

Federal benefits or tax address updated if you use those services: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

First-week living setup

Finish the practical building rules after the accounts are on. Mark Skip only if you will do the line later this month, and write the date in Notes.

8 items
First-week living setup

Trash, recycling, and bulk-item rules saved

Pickup day, chute hours, and where to put a mattress or box. A missed bulk rule can become a building fine.

Trash, recycling, and bulk-item rules saved: Done, Skip, or N/A

How to file a maintenance request confirmed

Portal, phone, or email from the lease. HUD counseling: keep the unit clean and contact the landlord for repairs. Put emergencies on the office phone line.

How to file a maintenance request confirmed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Quiet hours, guests, smoking, and laundry rules read

Building or HOA addenda. These are lease rules, not a cleanliness inspection.

Quiet hours, guests, smoking, and laundry rules read: Done, Skip, or N/A

First rent payment scheduled or receipt saved

Confirm the first due date, proration if the lease has one, and that the payment went to the official method.

First rent payment scheduled or receipt saved: Done, Skip, or N/A

Tenant-upkeep items from the lease noted

Examples the lease may assign: replace HVAC filters, replace bulbs, or mow a house yard. Copy the lease words. This is not an HVAC inspection.

Tenant-upkeep items from the lease noted: Done, Skip, or N/A

Flashlight placed where you can find it in the dark

Red Cross: use flashlights when the power is out, not candles. Do not leave a burning candle unattended.

Flashlight placed where you can find it in the dark: Done, Skip, or N/A

Office hours, parcel locker, and after-hours contact saved

How to get a package, a lockout, or an after-hours leak started. Put the numbers in Property notes.

Office hours, parcel locker, and after-hours contact saved: Done, Skip, or N/A

Shared-entry neighbors or building directory checked if you want to

Optional. Useful in a small building so someone can tell you if an alarm or leak starts. Mark Skip if you prefer not to.

Shared-entry neighbors or building directory checked if you want to: Done, Skip, or N/A

Form details

Open items and sign-off

List anything still waiting on you or the landlord. Signing this template does not sign the lease and is not a condition acceptance.

4 fields
Open items and sign-off

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

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References

  1. Checklist for counseling rental clients: lease, deposit photos, and renter insurance - HUD Exchange
  2. Smoke alarms: monthly test and at least annual battery change - CPSC
  3. Get prepared before a disaster: what renter insurance typically covers - CFPB
  4. Help for renters: rent, utilities, and HUD housing counseling - CFPB
  5. Buying or renting a home: which utilities the lease includes - CFPB
  6. 7 ways to prepare for a home fire: alarms, exits, and meeting place - American Red Cross
  7. Home fires: two ways out and 3-foot heater clearance - Ready.gov
  8. How to change your address with USPS and other agencies - USAGov
  9. Standard forward mail: official change of address and what still needs a direct update - USPS
  10. Checklist for moving into new rental housing - Legal Aid of West Virginia
  11. California Tenants guide: inspect with the landlord and photograph existing conditions - California DRE
  12. Written deposit checklist required at move-in - Washington RCW 59.18.260

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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.