Cal. Civ. Code § 55.1-1214
Inspection of dwelling unit; report.
Operative Text
A. The landlord shall, within five days after occupancy of a dwelling unit, submit a written report to the tenant itemizing damages to the dwelling unit existing at the time of occupancy, and the report shall be deemed correct unless the tenant objects to it in writing within five days after receipt of the report. B. The landlord may adopt a written policy allowing the tenant to prepare the written report of the move-in inspection, in which case the tenant shall submit a copy to the landlord, and the report shall be deemed correct unless the landlord objects thereto in writing within five days after receipt of the report. Such written policy adopted by the landlord may also provide for the landlord and the tenant to prepare the written report of the move-in inspection jointly, in which case both the landlord and the tenant shall sign the written report and receive a copy of the report, at which time the inspection report shall be deemed correct. C. If any damages are reflected on the written report, a landlord is not required to make repairs to address such damages unless required to do so under § 55.1-1215 or 55.1-1220 .
Virginia Code § 55.1-1214 establishes a move-in inspection process designed to document the condition of a dwelling unit at the start of a tenancy. Within five days of occupancy, a written report itemizing any pre-existing damages must be created — either by the landlord, the tenant, or both jointly — and exchanged between the parties. Once the report is received, the other party has five days to raise written objections; otherwise, the report is considered accurate and binding. Importantly, the existence of documented damages does not automatically obligate the landlord to repair them unless separate statutory provisions require it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Va. Code § 55.1-1214, compliant landlords typically prepare a written move-in inspection report within five days of a tenant taking occupancy, itemizing any pre-existing damage, and deliver it to the tenant promptly. Alternatively, landlords may adopt a written policy allowing the tenant to prepare the report, or for both parties to complete it jointly and sign a shared copy. Keeping dated records of the report, any written objections, and proof of delivery helps demonstrate compliance with the five-day timelines the statute sets out.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Va. Code § 55.1-1214 gives tenants the right to receive a written move-in inspection report and to object to its contents in writing within five days of receipt if it does not accurately reflect the unit's condition. If a tenant prepares the report under a landlord-adopted policy, the landlord similarly has five days to raise written objections. Tenants who believe this process was not followed, or whose objections were ignored, may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand how the inspection record could affect security deposit disputes or other claims.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.