12-Point Apartment Pet Inspection Checklist for Renters (Landlord-Proof in 2026)

Get down to floor level and look at the grain. Pre-existing scratches, scuffs, and water stains need to be documented before your pet ever walks across that floor. Use a flashlight to spot micro-scratches that photographs might miss at standard angles. Note the finish condition — dull versus glossy areas often indicate previous water exposure.

Going forward: place pet scratch guards under furniture and use area rugs in high-traffic pet paths to protect surfaces throughout your tenancy.

Inspect every carpet seam, corner, and high-traffic path. Look for existing stains, matting, snags, and musty odors that suggest previous pets. Press a clean white cloth against suspect areas — if color transfers, document it immediately. Check under furniture if any was left by the previous tenant.

During your tenancy: treat accidents immediately with an enzyme-based pet odor eliminator spray. Enzymes break down the proteins that cause permanent staining and lingering smells.

Pets interact most with the lower 18–24 inches of walls. Check for scuff marks, claw gouges, fur staining near baseboards, and nose smudges around light switches. Note any existing paint chips, crayon marks, or patched holes regardless of the cause — these could be attributed to your pet at move-out.

Baseboards are prime chewing targets for puppies and teething dogs. Inspect every linear foot for gnaw marks, scratches, and paint peeling. This is often where the most overlooked pre-existing damage hides. Photograph any gaps where baseboards have separated from the wall — water damage causes this over time and isn’t pet-related.

Dogs that experience separation anxiety often scratch at doors and door frames. Even well-trained dogs sometimes paw at closed doors. Document the finish condition of every door — both sides — and check the door frame for existing gouge marks at pet height. Also note whether door stoppers are functional; missing stoppers lead to wall damage from doorknobs.

The toe kick area beneath kitchen and bathroom cabinets is a magnet for pet hair, moisture, and in rare cases, small animal intrusion. Check for existing water damage, swollen wood, or loose cabinet faces. Cats sometimes scratch cabinet faces — verify this isn’t pre-existing before signing.

Cats especially love window sills and can scratch the paint finish over time. Check sill surfaces for existing scratches and note any paint condition. Also look at the window glass itself for nose smudges baked into the surface (hard to remove) and any pre-existing chips or cracks that need to be on record before move-in.

Torn or sagging screens are almost always pre-existing in older buildings, but they’re commonly charged to pet owners at move-out. Inspect every screen for tears, bent frames, and missing clips. Note which screens have issues on your move-in checklist so there’s no ambiguity later. The AKC recommends secure screens as an essential pet safety feature — lobby for repair before signing if screens are damaged.

Pets often push toys and treats under refrigerators and stoves. Pull out appliances (or photograph beneath them with your phone) to document existing debris, grease, and any scratches on the floor where appliances were dragged. Vent grilles on refrigerators attract pet hair — document their condition and plan to clean them quarterly to prevent overheating.

An enzyme pet stain remover works on hard floors beneath appliances too.

If your unit includes a balcony or patio, inspect the surface for existing stains, scratches on railing paint, and any drainage issues. Outdoor space damage can be significant and often surprises renters who didn’t document it. Check entryway floor mats (if provided) for condition and note worn areas separately from any pet-specific damage.

Walk every room and sniff. Previous pet odors embedded in carpet or drywall are notoriously hard to remove and can be blamed on your tenancy at move-out. If you detect musty or ammonia-like odors, note them in writing to your landlord before move-in. The ASPCA and animal welfare organizations consistently highlight that lingering odors — not actual damage — are the most common source of end-of-lease disputes in pet-friendly buildings.

Pet dander is the number-one accelerant of HVAC filter buildup. Check the condition of filters at move-in and document whether they’re clean or filthy — a dirty filter on day one is the landlord’s problem, not yours. Vents should also be inspected for previous pet hair accumulation and damage to vent covers. During tenancy, replace HVAC filters monthly (vs. the standard 90-day cycle) to maintain air quality and prevent dander-related damage complaints. An apartment door draft stopper also helps reduce dander circulation between rooms.

For more on your rights and responsibilities as a pet owner renter, see the HUD rental assistance resource center.