Begin before belongings hide the surfaces
Walk through the property as early as permitted and before unpacking. Capture floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, built-ins, appliances, plumbing areas, balconies, storage, parking, and provided furniture. Include meter readings, key counts, and the state of smoke or carbon-monoxide alarms without disabling them.
Make images locate themselves
A close-up crack without context is difficult to place. Take a wide room view, a medium view showing the wall or fixture, and a detail with a neutral size reference. Preserve original timestamps and avoid filters that change color or contrast. Video is helpful for continuity but should not replace clear still images and written notes.
Describe observable facts
Write “two-centimeter chip on lower left corner of kitchen counter” instead of “counter ruined.” Test only ordinary functions you are permitted to use, such as lights, taps, windows, locks, and provided appliances. Report leaks, exposed wiring, gas odor, broken locks, or other urgent hazards immediately through the proper channel.
Share and preserve the record
Use the lease’s inventory form if provided, add attachments when needed, and send the record through a channel that shows date and receipt. Keep an unchanged copy, the landlord’s response, repair appointments, and later photographs. A good baseline supports cooperation because both parties can distinguish old conditions from new events.
Context, detail, and delivery make evidence usable
Document each area from wide to close, write neutral descriptions, report urgent hazards promptly, and retain proof that the record was shared on time.
Further reading: USA.gov tenant rights information. External references are provided for context and do not imply affiliation.