Prepare the space and your device
When possible, take photographs close to the time you return possession, after you have completed your move-out cleaning. Ensure rooms are sufficiently lit, the lens is clean, and important surfaces are visible. Confirm that your phone records accurate time and date metadata.
Begin with contextual photographs showing the room as a whole; then capture closer views of details, including any pre-existing damage or completed repairs.
Suggested photo sequence
Interior
- Every wall, ceiling, floor, and doorway
- Doors, locks, windows, and blinds
- Appliance interiors and exteriors
- Kitchen counters, cabinets, sink, and fixtures
- Bathroom fixtures, tile, and caulking
Exterior and handover
- Patio, balcony, lawn, and garage where applicable
- Parking, storage, and assigned spaces
- Cleaned surfaces and completed repairs
- Keys, remotes, and access-device handover
- Utility readings if appropriate
Protect the original evidence
- Keep the original, unedited media files with their metadata.
- Create a separate working copy for annotations or comparisons.
- Back up the originals to a secure location you control.
- Use consistent filenames and a simple photo log.
- Do not use filters or modifications that could misrepresent condition.
After the walkthrough
Match photographs to the property's move-out inspection, any key-return receipt, and the actual possession date. If a disputed charge appears later, identify the original file that shows the relevant area and preserve the chain of records.
Helpful practice: An unbroken walkthrough video can provide context, but individual still photographs often make detailed conditions easier to compare.
Open move-out checklist