Home > Legal > Research Legal Advice > Landlord / Tenant > How is a rental unit periodic property inspection different from a move-...
It appears that there are similarities and differences between a rental property periodic inspection and a move-in and move-out inspection. A property inspection focuses on structure, including condition of walls, ceilings, driveways, foundation, retaining walls, heating, electrical, etc., or any safety hazards, code violations. A move-in and move-out inspection focuses on more superficial features and fixtures like refrigerator, carpet, toilet, paint, towel racks,etc.. However, there could be some overlap, as when a tenant damages the structure. Importantly, a property inspection focuses on what are owner/landlord responsibilities whereas a move-in and move-out inspection focuses on what are tenant responsibilities. The tenant need not be present for a property inspection but must be present for a move-in and move-out inspection and may involve questions related to any security deposit. Whereas a 24 hour notice is sufficient for a periodic property inspection (I believe CC § 1954 would cover it), at least 48 hours is required for a move-out inspection (CC § 1950.5(f)(1)). In addition, whereas a 24 hour notice is "imposed" by the landlord and requires only notice of approximate time of inspection, a move-out inspection requires agreement of a specific meeting time between landlord and tenant.