This checklist is designed to help you prepare a room for advertising and showing to prospective housemates. Completing these items before marketing the room helps create a better first impression, reduces applicant concerns, and makes the move-in process smoother.
Housemate Name: __________________ Room #: ___
Date Prepared: ___________
Monthly Rent: $________ Security Deposit: $_________
Prepared By: _________________
1. Basic Room Readiness
These are the first things you need to confirm:
[ ] Room completely emptied of personal items
[ ] Floor vacuumed, swept, or mopped
[ ] Walls clean or touched up
[ ] Windows, blinds, and window sills clean
[ ] Closet empty and shelves cleaned
[ ] Trash removed
[ ] Room smells clean and fresh
[ ] No signs of mold, moisture, pests, or damage
2. Furniture Provided
[ ] Bed frame & headboard
[ ] Mattress
[ ] Dresser
[ ] Nightstand
[ ] Lamp
[ ] Desk
[ ] Chair
[ ] Trash can
[ ] Clothes hangers (if provided)
[ ] Mirror (if provided)
[ ] TV (if provided)
[ ] Power strip available (if provided)
[ ] Other furnishings
Only list items that will actually be provided. Anything listed in the ad should be present and in usable condition.
3. Bed and Linens
This deserves its own small section because it affects first impressions:
[ ] Mattress clean and in good condition
[ ] Mattress protector installed
[ ] Clean sheets provided
[ ] Clean pillow provided
[ ] Pillow protector installed
[ ] Clean blanket, quilt, or comforter provided
[ ] Extra linens available, if offered
[ ] Linens included in ad, if applicable
4. Lighting and Electrical
This prevents small complaints later:
[ ] Ceiling light works
[ ] Ceiling fan works, if applicable
[ ] Lamps work
[ ] Light bulbs replaced
[ ] Electrical outlets working
[ ] Extension cords removed or minimized
[ ] No overloaded outlets
[ ] Internet/Wi-Fi signal reaches room
5. Privacy and Security
Very important in a shared-home rental:
[ ] Bedroom door closes properly
[ ] Bedroom door lock works
[ ] Bedroom key available
[ ] Spare key available for landlord/emergency access
[ ] Window lock works
[ ] Curtains/blinds provide privacy
[ ] House entry code/key system ready
6. Safety
Include the basics:
[ ] Smoke detector working, if applicable
[ ] Carbon monoxide detector working, if applicable
[ ] No exposed wires
[ ] No loose carpet edges or trip hazards
[ ] Furniture stable
[ ] No broken glass, sharp edges, or damaged fixtures
[ ] Window opens/closes properly
[ ] Emergency exit path not blocked
7. Storage and Personal Space
Applicants want to know where their things go:
[ ] Closet empty
[ ] Dresser drawers empty
[ ] Shelf space available
[ ] Under-bed storage available, if applicable
[ ] Bathroom storage area assigned
[ ] Kitchen cabinet space assigned
[ ] Refrigerator space available
The bathroom/kitchen storage could also be handled on the Move-In Checklist, but it is helpful to prepare it before showing the room.
8. Bathroom Readiness
Even if the bathroom is shared:
[ ] Bathroom clean
[ ] Toilet clean
[ ] Tub/shower clean
[ ] Sink/vanity clean
[ ] Mirror clean
[ ] Storage space available for new housemate
[ ] Shower curtain/door clean
[ ] Bath mat clean
[ ] Trash can available with plastic liner
[ ] Toilet paper supply ready
9. Kitchen and Common Area Readiness
The landlord should make sure the shared spaces support another person:
[ ] Kitchen clean
[ ] Refrigerator space available
[ ] Freezer space available
[ ] Cabinet/pantry space available
[ ] Coffee maker rules decided
[ ] Laundry area clean
[ ] Washer/dryer working
[ ] Parking space identified
[ ] Trash/recycling location ready
10. Photos for Advertising
This should definitely be included:
[ ] Bedroom photo taken
[ ] Bed/furniture photo taken
[ ] Closet/storage photo taken
[ ] Bathroom photos taken (vanity & tub/shower)
[ ] Kitchen photo taken
[ ] Living room area photo taken
[ ] Laundry area photo taken
[ ] Patio/backyard photo taken, if useful
[ ] Parking photo taken, if useful
[ ] Photos taken with good lighting
[ ] Clutter removed before photos
[ ] Personal valuables removed from photos
[ ] Exact address not shown in photos
[ ] Photos accurately reflect current room condition
11. Final Pre-Showing Check
This is the last section:
[ ] Room ready to show
[ ] Room matches the ad description
[ ] Application printed or ready digitally
[ ] House Etiquette Guidelines ready to review
[ ] Room smells clean
[ ] Common areas presentable
[ ] Entryway clean
[ ] Bathroom clean
[ ] Parking clear
[ ] Rent amount and move-in costs confirmed