Move-out checklist for ZA tenancies
An outgoing inspection checklist for South African rental properties, for landlords and agents recording condition at the end of a lease and comparing it against the incoming inspection.
Instructions & reminders
The Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 requires the landlord and tenant to inspect the dwelling together within the three days before the lease expires, to establish what damage the tenant is liable for. Work through it jointly, photograph anything beyond fair wear and tear, have both parties sign, and refund the deposit with interest within the period the Act allows.
Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.
- Front door
- Lock and hardware
- Doorbell
- Lighting
Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and plug points work.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and curtains
- Heating
Test all appliances, taps and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to counters or surfaces.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and curtains
- Built-in cupboards
- Sink and counters
- Stove and oven
- Fridge
- Extractor fan
Test taps, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mould or damage to fittings.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and curtains
- Mirror and cabinet
- Bath
- Shower
- Basin and vanity
- Toilet
- Extractor fan
Test the washing machine and check the laundry sink for damage or leaks.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and curtains
- Washing machine
- Laundry sink
Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and curtains
- Built-in cupboards
Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.
- Handrail
- Treads and risers
- Lighting
Check refuse bins, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.
- Refuse bins
- Locks
- Insulation
- Smoke alarms present and working
Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floor
- Door and remote
Check the roof and supports are sound and free of damage.
- Roof and supports
- Floor
- Lighting
Check external walls and paintwork, gutters and downpipes. Note any signs of moisture or damage.
- External walls and paintwork
- Gutters and downpipes
Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the postbox is present and usable.
- Lawns and gardens
- Fencing
- Washing line
- Postbox
Check the floor surface, roof and any built-in seating for damage.
- Floor surface and tiling
- Roof and supports
- Lighting
- Railings
Check the braai, chimney and surrounding surfaces.
- Braai and grid
- Chimney and flue clear
- Work surface
- Lighting
- Gas connection where fitted
Check the driveway surface, gate and any damage to paving.
- Paving and driveway surface
- Automated gate and motor
- Gate remotes returned
- Drainage
Test every security feature and count the remotes returned. Note anything damaged or missing.
- Burglar bars secure
- Security gates and locks
- Alarm system and panic buttons
- Armed response account status
- Electric fence and energiser
- Perimeter wall or palisade fencing
- Intercom or gate motor
- Remotes returned and counted
- Outdoor lighting and beams
Record what is supplied and whether it works.
- Inverter and batteries
- Solar panels and controller
- Generator and fuel
- UPS units
- Surge protection
- Water storage tank and pump
- Borehole and pump where present
- Instructions handed to the tenant
Check the pump, the safety barrier required by the local by-law, and the equipment supplied.
- Pump and filter working
- Pool safety net or fence
- Pool surface and tiling
- Cleaning equipment supplied
- Water level and clarity
Check the parking bay is clear and collect every access item.
- Parking bay left clear
- Access tags and remotes returned
- Number of each access item recorded
Compare against the furniture and inventory supplied at move-in and note anything missing or damaged.
Photograph all keys returned and note the count, including spares, garage remotes and postbox keys.
- Number of keys returned
- Spare keys
- Garage remote
- Postbox key
Record the standard the property was left in and the outcome for the deposit.
- Cleaning to the standard at the incoming inspection
- Rubbish and belongings removed
- Deposit and interest calculated
- Refund or deduction agreed in writing
Record every meter number and reading, and confirm which accounts transfer to the tenant.
- Prepaid electricity meter number and reading
- Water meter number and reading
- Municipal account transfer confirmed
- Refuse and rates account status
- Body corporate levies where applicable
Run your Move-out on your phone
Start from this template in the myInspections app, work through each area, and capture photos and video as you go.
Get a report worth signing
Share a secure link that opens in any browser, or download a polished PDF.
Ditch the paper on your next inspection.
Finish the report before you get back to the car.