Every room
Take wide shots of walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, closets, baseboards, outlets, lights, and any visible stains, cracks, chips, or scratches.
KeyProof checklist
Move-in rental inspection photo checklist.
Before boxes come in, create a clear room-by-room condition record. The goal is not to guarantee a deposit result; it is to keep photos, notes, timestamps, and a PDF condition report organized if you need to explain the rental condition later.
Important boundary
KeyProof is a documentation and organization tool. It is not legal advice, does not submit anything to a landlord, court, or housing agency, and does not guarantee a security deposit refund or dispute result.
Kitchen
Document appliances, sink, countertops, cabinets, drawers, flooring, vents, seals, dents, missing parts, stains, and anything that is dirty or broken.
Bathroom
Capture the tub, shower, toilet, sink, mirror, tiles, grout, caulk, leaks, mold, cabinet condition, fan, and floor damage before using the space.
Entry and exterior
Photograph keys, locks, doors, porch, balcony, mailbox, garage, storage area, meters, screens, and any move-in cleaning or safety issues.
What makes the record useful
- Group photos by room instead of leaving them scattered in a camera roll.
- Add short factual notes for existing damage, stains, missing parts, or dirty areas.
- Keep timestamps with the inspection record.
- Export a PDF condition report before you unpack or lose track of details.
- Keep a copy with your lease, move-in checklist, inspection notes, and any landlord communication.
Why photos and condition records matter
Security deposit rules vary by location, but official tenant resources commonly focus on itemized deductions, pre-existing damage, statement-of-condition records, and keeping evidence of the rental's condition. A room-by-room photo report is a practical way to keep your own record organized.
FAQ
Does KeyProof guarantee a security deposit refund?
No. KeyProof helps organize photos, notes, timestamps, and a PDF condition report. It does not provide legal advice or guarantee any deposit or dispute outcome.
When should move-in photos be taken?
Take wide room photos and closeups of existing damage before unpacking, then keep the report with lease, inspection, and landlord communication records.
Official resources to check
Start with your local law, lease, and official tenant guide. Useful examples include the California Courts security deposit guide, New York State Attorney General tenants' rights guide, Massachusetts mandatory statement of condition, and NYC Rent Guidelines Board security deposit FAQ.
Also prepare for move-out
Move-in photos are only one side of the record. Before returning keys, use the move-out security deposit photo checklist to capture cleaned rooms, receipts, returned keys, and one final PDF condition report.
KeyProof keeps rental inspection photos and notes local on iPhone, organizes them room-by-room, and exports a PDF rental condition report.