Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland)
MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT PROPERTY CONDITION CHECKLIST
Property: [Property Address]
Landlord: [Landlord Name] | Tenant(s): [Tenant Name]
RTB registration: [RTB Number] | Deposit held: EUR [Deposit Amount]
PART A: MOVE-IN
Move-in date: [Move In Date]
Electricity reading: [Move In Electricity] kWh | Gas reading: [Move In Gas] m³
Keys issued: [Move In Keys Issued]
Overall condition: [Move In Condition Summary]
Living room: [Move In Living Room]
Kitchen: [Move In Kitchen]
Bedroom(s): [Move In Bedrooms]
Bathroom: [Move In Bathroom]
Garden / external: [Move In Garden]
PART B: MOVE-OUT
Move-out date: [Move Out Date]
Electricity reading: [Move Out Electricity] kWh | Gas reading: [Move Out Gas] m³
Keys returned: [Move Out Keys Returned]
Living room: [Move Out Living Room]
Kitchen: [Move Out Kitchen]
Bedroom(s): [Move Out Bedrooms]
Bathroom: [Move Out Bathroom]
Garden / external: [Move Out Garden]
PART C: DEPOSIT DISPOSITION
Agreed deductions: [Deposit Deductions]
Deposit to be returned to tenant: EUR [Deposit Return Amount]
Both parties confirm this checklist accurately records the condition of the property at move-in and move-out. If there is a dispute about the deposit, either party may refer the matter to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) at rtb.ie.
Landlord (Move-In)
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Tenant (Move-In)
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Landlord (Move-Out)
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Tenant (Move-Out)
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland)?
A Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Ireland records the physical state, fixtures, and disclosed defects of a property so both sides have an agreed record before completion, and is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
The legal framework governing the Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) in Ireland draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 as amended by the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019, the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) registers all tenancies and adjudicates disputes. Section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets landlord obligations. The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, Section 51, governs property transfers. The Property Registration Authority (PRA) maintains the Land Registry under the Registration of Title Act 1964. Parties executing a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) in Ireland should confirm the document reflects current Irish law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets the foundational requirements, while secondary legislation and statutory instruments may impose additional obligations depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction. Under Section 67 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 and the Registration of Title Act 1964, property-related elements must comply with the Property Registration Authority (PRA) requirements. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2022 in consumer-facing transactions. The Companies Act 2014, Section 169, and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 impose non-discrimination obligations on all commercial agreements executed in Ireland.
The legal framework governing the Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) in Ireland draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 as amended by the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019, the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) registers all tenancies and adjudicates disputes. Section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets landlord obligations. The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, Section 51, governs property transfers. The Property Registration Authority (PRA) maintains the Land Registry under the Registration of Title Act 1964. Parties executing a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) in Ireland should confirm the document reflects current Irish law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets the foundational requirements, while secondary legislation and statutory instruments may impose additional obligations depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction.
When Do You Need a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland)?
A combined move-in/move-out checklist is needed in Ireland at both the commencement and termination of every residential tenancy. Using a single document confirms that the move-in and move-out conditions are recorded in a directly comparable format, making it straightforward to identify any changes beyond normal wear and tear. Deposit disputes are one of the most common matters referred to the RTB, and a well-maintained checklist with photographs provides strong contemporaneous evidence for both parties.
Parties in Ireland should prepare a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Irish courts, including the District Court, Circuit Court, and High Court of Ireland, interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 as amended by the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019, the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) registers all tenancies and adjudicates disputes. Section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets landlord obligations. The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, Section 51, governs property transfers. The Property Registration Authority (PRA) maintains the Land Registry under the Registration of Title Act 1964. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority — such as the Central Bank of Ireland, Companies Registration Office (CRO), or Data Protection Commission (DPC) — may be required before execution. Consulting a qualified Irish solicitor confirms all regulatory steps are completed in the correct order. Under Section 67 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 and the Registration of Title Act 1964, property-related elements must comply with the Property Registration Authority (PRA) requirements. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2022 in consumer-facing transactions. The Companies Act 2014, Section 169, and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 impose non-discrimination obligations on all commercial agreements executed in Ireland.
What to Include in Your Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland)
A thorough Irish move-in/move-out checklist should include the property address, RTB registration number, both parties' names, and the deposit amount. The move-in section records the date, electricity and gas meter readings, keys issued, overall condition, and room-by-room condition notes. The move-out section records the same information on departure, with any new damage noted. The deposit section sets out any agreed deductions with justification and the amount to be returned to the tenant. All four signature blocks (landlord and tenant at both move-in and move-out) should be completed. The forms-legal.com Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) template covers the mandatory elements under Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
Additional compliance elements for a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) used in Ireland include: Data Protection — the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR Article 6 require a lawful basis for processing personal data; Governing Law — specify Irish law and the jurisdiction of Irish courts; Dispute Resolution — parties may refer disputes to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for employment matters or initiate proceedings in the Circuit Court or High Court of Ireland for civil claims. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 as amended by the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019, the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) registers all tenancies and adjudicates disputes. Section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets landlord obligations. The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, Section 51, governs property transfers. The Property Registration Authority (PRA) maintains the Land Registry under the Registration of Title Act 1964. Revenue Commissioners require appropriate tax treatment of payments made under the agreement, including VAT under the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010 where applicable. Under Section 67 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 and the Registration of Title Act 1964, property-related elements must comply with the Property Registration Authority (PRA) requirements. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2022 in consumer-facing transactions. The Companies Act 2014, Section 169, and the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 impose non-discrimination obligations on all commercial agreements executed in Ireland.
Additional compliance elements for a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) used in Ireland include: Data Protection — the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR Article 6 require a lawful basis for processing personal data; Governing Law — specify Irish law and the jurisdiction of Irish courts; Dispute Resolution — parties may refer disputes to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for employment matters or initiate proceedings in the Circuit Court or High Court of Ireland for civil claims. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 as amended by the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019, the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) registers all tenancies and adjudicates disputes. Section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets landlord obligations. The Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, Section 51, governs property transfers. The Property Registration Authority (PRA) maintains the Land Registry under the Registration of Title Act 1964. Revenue Commissioners require appropriate tax treatment of payments made under the agreement, including VAT under the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010 where applicable.
Sources & Citations
Statutory citations link to official government sources.
- GDPR Article 6EU – GDPR
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) (Ireland) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/ireland/real-estate/leases/move-in-move-out-checklist-ireland
"Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) (Ireland)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/ireland/real-estate/leases/move-in-move-out-checklist-ireland.
@misc{formslegal-move-in-move-out-checklist-ireland,
author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) (Ireland)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/ireland/real-estate/leases/move-in-move-out-checklist-ireland}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Residential Tenancies Act 2004}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
A combined move-in/move-out checklist is one of the most effective tools for resolving deposit disputes before and during RTB adjudication in Ireland. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is the statutory body established under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants, including disputes about deposit retention. When a deposit dispute is referred to the RTB, the adjudicator will require evidence from both parties about the condition of the property at the start and end of the tenancy. A signed combined checklist with recorded conditions at both dates — ideally supported by dated photographs or video evidence — provides clear, contemporaneous documentary evidence that is far more persuasive than the uncorroborated recollections of either party. Where a landlord seeks to retain part of the deposit for alleged damage, the RTB adjudicator will compare the condition of the item at move-in versus move-out and assess whether the deterioration exceeds fair wear and tear. A thorough combined checklist makes this comparison straightforward and reduces the likelihood of a disputed finding. The RTB's online dispute resolution system recommends submitting a checklist as supporting evidence.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended), a landlord in Ireland is entitled to retain all or part of the security deposit only where: the tenant has failed to pay rent lawfully due; the tenant has caused damage to the property beyond fair wear and tear; the tenant has failed to give the required notice to quit in accordance with the Act and the tenancy agreement; or the tenant has failed to meet specific obligations in the tenancy agreement (such as returning keys or cleaning the property). In all other circumstances, the landlord must return the full deposit without deduction promptly after the tenancy ends — in practice, within a few days of the tenancy terminating. A landlord who retains the deposit without justification is in breach of the Act and the tenant can refer a dispute to the RTB. The RTB can order the return of the deposit and may make an award of costs. Under section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, the landlord's obligations include returning the deposit promptly, and unreasonable delay can itself be a ground for a RTB complaint. Both parties should retain copies of all tenancy documentation and the combined checklist for at least two years after the tenancy ends.
Yes. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, a landlord must give reasonable notice to a tenant before entering the property, including for a move-out inspection. The standard practice is to arrange the move-out inspection by mutual agreement with the tenant, typically in the last week of the tenancy. Entering a rented property without adequate notice and the tenant's agreement may constitute a breach of the tenant's right to 'peaceful and exclusive occupation' under section 12 of the Act and could give rise to a RTB complaint or civil action. For the move-out inspection specifically, it is strongly advisable for both the landlord (or their agent) and the tenant to be present at the same time so that any disputed items can be discussed and noted immediately. The combined move-in/move-out checklist should be completed in the presence of both parties and signed by both at move-out, with each retaining a copy. If the tenant refuses to attend or be present, the landlord should document this and conduct the inspection with a witness, taking photographs and video of all rooms.
At the start and end of every tenancy in Ireland, both the landlord and tenant should record the meter readings for all utilities supplied to the property, including electricity (measured in kWh, taken from the ESB Networks meter), gas (measured in cubic metres or kWh, taken from the Gas Networks Ireland meter), and water (where applicable, measured in cubic metres from an Irish Water sub-meter). Meter readings should be recorded on the move-in/move-out checklist with the date and time of reading. Both parties should retain copies of the meter readings and should contact the relevant utility suppliers to transfer accounts at the start and end of the tenancy. Failure to record meter readings can result in disputes about utility bills — particularly electricity — with tenants being billed for consumption that occurred before or after their tenancy. In practice, tenants should immediately contact ESB Networks, Gas Networks Ireland, and Irish Water at the start of the tenancy to register as the account holder, using the move-in meter reading as the starting point. Landlords should require that utility accounts are returned to their name (or transferred to a new tenant) promptly at the end of the tenancy using the move-out meter reading.
A Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (Ireland) does not legally require a lawyer in Ireland, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified Ireland lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The High Court of Ireland has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Companies Registration Office (CRO) may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
Found an error? Let us knowRelated Documents
You may also find these documents useful:
Holiday Rental Agreement (Ireland)
A short-term holiday letting agreement for properties in Ireland, covering booking terms, deposit, house rules, and cancellation policy. Excluded from the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004–2024.
Lease Extension Agreement (Ireland)
Extend an existing residential or commercial tenancy in Ireland with a written lease extension agreement that complies with the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009.
Residential Tenancy Agreement (Ireland)
A tenancy agreement for the rental of residential property between a landlord and tenant in Ireland.
Roommate Agreement (Ireland)
Create a Roommate Agreement for Ireland covering rent splits, household rules, utilities, guests, and notice periods for shared accommodation, consistent with the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004–2022 and licensor-licensee arrangements.