New York rental inspection report template

New York rules for this report

These rules are about how and when you report, not the template's fields. Check them before you deliver.

• After the lease is signed and before the tenant moves in, the landlord offers the tenant the chance to inspect the unit together to determine its conditionN.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-108 (1-a) (c) · N.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-107 (4) (rent-stabilized units)
• If the tenant asks for that inspection, both sign a written agreement before the tenant moves in that attests to the condition of the property and specifically notes any existing defects or damageN.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-108 (1-a) (c) · N.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-107 (4)
• When the tenant moves out, the landlord may not keep any part of the deposit for a condition, defect or damage noted in that agreement, which is admissible as evidence of the starting condition in a deposit disputeN.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-108 (1-a) (c)
• The landlord may keep only reasonable, itemized costs for unpaid rent, damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utility charges payable to the landlord under the lease, and moving and storing the tenant's belongings; never for ordinary wear and tear or damage caused by a prior tenantN.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-108 (1-a) (b) · N.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-107 (3)
• Within a reasonable time after either side gives notice to end the tenancy, unless the tenant gives less than two weeks' notice, the landlord tells the tenant in writing of their right to request an inspection before moving out and to be present at itN.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-108 (1-a) (d) · N.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-107 (5)
• A requested pre-move-out inspection takes place no earlier than two weeks and no later than one week before the tenancy ends, with at least 48 hours' written notice of the date and timeN.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-108 (1-a) (d)
• After the pre-move-out inspection the landlord gives the tenant an itemized statement of the repairs or cleaning proposed as deductions, and the tenant may cure them before the tenancy endsN.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-108 (1-a) (d)
• Within 14 days after the tenant moves out, the landlord gives an itemized statement of the basis for any amount kept and returns the rest; missing the 14 days forfeits any right to keep any part of the depositN.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-108 (1-a) (e) · N.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-107 (6)
• In any dispute over the amount kept, the landlord bears the burden of proving it was reasonable; a willful violation can bring punitive damages of up to twice the depositN.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-108 (1-a) (f) and (g) · N.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-107 (7) and (8)
• The same inspection and deposit rules apply to rent-stabilized units and to most other apartments; units under rent control and certain senior and care communities are outside themN.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-108 (1-a) · N.Y. General Obligations Law s. 7-107 (1)

What is in it

• Entry and hallwaysWalls and ceiling, Floor, Doors and locks, Lights and switches
• Living and dining areasWalls and ceiling, Floor and carpet, Windows, screens and coverings, Outlets, lights and switches
• KitchenStove, oven and range hood, Refrigerator and freezer, Dishwasher, Sink, faucet and drain, Counters and cabinets, Walls, ceiling and floor
• BedroomsWalls and ceilings, Floors and carpet, Windows, screens and coverings, Closets and doors
• BathroomsToilet, Tub, shower, grout and caulking, Sink, vanity and mirror, Exhaust fan, Walls, ceiling and floor
• Laundry and utilityWasher and dryer, Heating, cooling and thermostat, Water heater
• Safety devicesSmoke alarms tested, Carbon monoxide alarms tested, Fire extinguisher
• Exterior, parking and storageBalcony, patio or yard, Parking or garage, Storage
• Keys, fobs and remotesItem, Quantity, Notes
• Repairs or cleaning proposed as deductions (pre-move-out)Room and item, Repair or cleaning proposed, Notes

Rules last reviewed October 9, 2026. Read the full New York rental inspection report requirements.