What Should You Photograph When Moving Into a Rental Property? A Tenant’s Complete Checklist

Property Hub Ltd

8 October 2026

What Should You Photograph When Moving Into a Rental Property? A Tenant’s Complete Checklist

Before you unpack a single box, take out your phone.

Moving into a new rental property is exciting. There are boxes to unpack, furniture to arrange and a new space to make your own.

But there is one simple task that should happen before all of that:

Document the property.

The condition of a rental home on the day you move in can become important later, particularly when you move out and the condition of the property is compared with its original condition.

A scratch on a floor, stain on a carpet, chipped worktop, damaged blind or mark on a wall may have already existed before your tenancy began.

If you have clear evidence showing that condition from the start, you are in a much stronger position to explain what was already there.

An inventory or check-in report is an important part of the process, but photographs and videos can provide valuable supporting evidence. Government guidance also recognises the importance of evidence when disputes arise over protected tenancy deposits.

So, what should a tenant actually photograph?

This guide takes you through the property from the front door to the garden, explains what to capture, how to document existing damage and how to keep your evidence organised throughout the tenancy.

THE GOLDEN RULE

Photograph the property before your belongings hide it.

The best time to document a rental property is before you move your furniture and boxes inside.

An empty or mostly empty property allows you to see:

Walls clearly.
Floors clearly.
Corners and edges.
Existing marks.
Scratches.
Fixtures and fittings.
Appliances.
Windows.
Doors.
Ceilings.

Once your sofa is against a wall or your wardrobe is covering part of the floor, it becomes much harder to document what was underneath.

If you have already moved in, do not panic.

Start documenting the property now.

The important thing is to create a record as early as possible.

START WITH THE BIG PICTURE

Before photographing individual scratches and marks, photograph each room as a whole.

Stand near the doorway and take a wide photograph.

Then move to another corner and take another.

Do this for:

Living room.
Bedrooms.
Kitchen.
Bathroom.
Hallway.
Utility room.
Conservatory.
Office.
Storage areas.

The purpose of these photographs is context.

A close-up photograph might show a scratch.

A wide photograph can show where that scratch is located.

That difference can matter.

WALLS & CEILINGS

Walls can contain far more existing damage than you initially notice.

Walk around every room and look carefully for:

Nail holes.
Picture hooks.
Scratches.
Scuff marks.
Cracks.
Peeling paint.
Discolouration.
Water stains.
Previous repairs.
Wallpaper damage.
Blu-tack marks.
Mould.

Take photographs of anything unusual.

Do not assume:

“It is only a tiny mark.”

If it already exists when you move in, document it.

The same applies to ceilings.

Pay particular attention to:

Water stains.
Cracks.
Peeling paint.
Mould.
Discolouration.
Signs of previous leaks.

FLOORS, CARPETS & FLOORING

Flooring should receive particular attention.

Photograph:

Carpet.
Wooden flooring.
Laminate.
Vinyl.
Tiles.
Rugs supplied with the property.

Look for:

Stains.
Burns.
Scratches.
Chips.
Cracks.
Dents.
Loose flooring.
Water damage.
Worn areas.

If you find a stain on a carpet, do not simply photograph the stain.

Take:

A room photograph → a location photograph → a close-up.

That creates a visual trail showing exactly where the issue is.

For particularly small marks, you can place a ruler or another object of known size next to the defect. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme recommends using an object of known size where appropriate to help establish scale.

THE FRONT DOOR IS PART OF YOUR RECORD

The entrance is easy to overlook.

Photograph:

Front door.
Door frame.
Handle.
Lock.
Letterbox.
Door viewer.
Security chain.
Keys.

Look for:

Scratches.
Dents.
Chips.
Damaged locks.
Loose handles.
Paint damage.

If you receive multiple keys or fobs, record how many.

For example:

2 front-door keys
2 communal-entry fobs
1 mailbox key

Keep this information with your photographs.

WINDOWS, BLINDS & CURTAINS

Walk around the property and photograph every significant window.

Look at:

Glass.
Frames.
Handles.
Locks.
Window sills.
Blinds.
Curtains.
Curtain rails.

Look for:

Cracked glass.
Scratches.
Damaged seals.
Broken handles.
Mould.
Condensation damage.
Missing blinds.
Stained curtains.

Again, photograph existing defects before you settle into the property.

THE KITCHEN NEEDS A CLOSER LOOK

A kitchen contains multiple fixtures, surfaces and appliances, so it deserves more detailed documentation.

Start with a photograph showing the entire kitchen.

Then work through the individual areas.

Worktops

Look for:

Scratches.
Burns.
Chips.
Stains.
Swollen edges.
Water damage.

Cabinets & Drawers

Photograph:

Cabinet doors.
Handles.
Shelves.
Drawers.
Interiors.

Look for:

Broken hinges.
Missing shelves.
Scratches.
Chips.
Stains.

Sink & Taps

Look for:

Scratches.
Chips.
Limescale.
Rust.
Leaks.
Damaged sealant.

Photograph anything that is already present.

DON'T FORGET THE APPLIANCES

If appliances are included with your tenancy, photograph them individually.

This may include:

Oven.
Hob.
Extractor.
Microwave.
Fridge.
Freezer.
Dishwasher.
Washing machine.
Tumble dryer.

For each appliance, consider photographing:

The exterior → control panel → interior → existing damage.

For example, if the oven already contains stains or burnt residue, document it before you use it.

If the washing machine has scratches or a damaged door seal, photograph it.

If the fridge contains existing marks or damaged shelves, photograph them.

And if an appliance does not work, report the problem rather than relying solely on the photograph.

THE BATHROOM

Bathrooms contain numerous surfaces where existing damage can be overlooked.

Photograph:

Bath.
Shower.
Shower screen.
Basin.
Toilet.
Taps.
Tiles.
Grouting.
Sealant.
Flooring.
Mirror.
Extractor fan.
Radiator.

Look for:

Cracked tiles.
Missing grout.
Mould.
Staining.
Damaged sealant.
Chips.
Scratches.
Limescale.
Leaks.

Pay particular attention to the area around the bath and shower.

Existing mould, damp or water damage should be photographed and reported promptly.

HEATING & THE BOILER

Photograph the boiler and visible heating controls.

Where relevant, document:

Boiler display.
Pressure gauge.
Thermostat.
Radiators.
Heating controls.
Visible damage.

If the boiler displays an error code, photograph the display.

Then report it.

A photograph is useful evidence, but it does not replace notifying the landlord or letting agent about a maintenance problem.

FURNITURE & FITTINGS

If your rental is furnished, photograph the supplied furniture.

Think beyond the obvious.

Document:

Sofas.
Beds.
Mattresses.
Wardrobes.
Tables.
Chairs.
Desks.
Bedside tables.
Mirrors.
Lamps.
Curtains.
Blinds.

Look for:

Tears.
Stains.
Scratches.
Chips.
Dents.
Broken handles.
Missing components.

A photograph of an entire sofa is useful.

A close-up of an existing tear is even more useful.

LOOK OUTSIDE

Your move-in record should not stop at the front door.

If the property includes outdoor space, photograph:

Front garden.
Rear garden.
Patio.
Decking.
Fencing.
Gates.
Shed.
Garage.
Balcony.
Outdoor furniture.
Bin storage.

Look for:

Broken fencing.
Damaged gates.
Cracked paving.
Overgrown areas.
Damaged garden furniture.
Broken sheds.

If you are responsible for garden maintenance, documenting its starting condition can be particularly useful.

THE THINGS YOU CAN'T SEE AT A GLANCE

Some of the most important photographs are not photographs of rooms.

They are photographs of records and equipment.

Meter readings

Photograph:

Electricity meter.
Gas meter.
Water meter, where applicable.

Make sure the number is clearly visible.

Record the date.

Keep the photographs.

You should also provide the readings to the relevant suppliers where necessary.

KEYS, FOBS & ACCESS DEVICES

Photograph and count the access devices you receive.

This could include:

Front-door keys.
Back-door keys.
Window keys.
Garage keys.
Mailbox keys.
Communal-entry fobs.
Parking permits.
Security cards.

If something does not work, report it immediately.

DAMAGE: USE THE THREE-PHOTOGRAPH METHOD

This is one of the most useful techniques for documenting existing defects.

Imagine there is a scratch on a bedroom wall.

Do not take only one close-up.

Instead:

CONTEXT

Photograph the entire room.

LOCATION

Photograph the relevant wall.

DETAIL

Take a close-up of the scratch.

This tells the complete story.

It shows:

What the room looked like.

Where the defect was.

What the defect looked like.

SMALL DEFECTS NEED SCALE

A tiny photograph of a mark can sometimes be misleading.

For small:

Scratches.
Cracks.
Chips.
Stains.
Burns.
Dents.

consider using a ruler or another object with a known size.

This gives the photograph additional context.

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme has highlighted the value of using a known-size object when documenting small defects.

PHOTOGRAPHS AREN'T THE WHOLE STORY

A photograph shows physical condition.

It does not necessarily show:

Whether an appliance worked.
Whether something was clean.
Whether there was an odour.
Whether a defect was reported.
Whether an item was included in the tenancy.
Whether a repair had previously been requested.

That is why your evidence should be broader than photographs.

Think of your move-in record as four layers:

Inventory

Photographs

Communication

Receipts / documents

Together, these create a much stronger record.

SHOULD YOU TAKE A VIDEO?

Yes — but use it alongside photographs.

A short walkthrough video can provide an excellent overview of the property.

Walk through:

Entrance → hallway → living room → kitchen → bedrooms → bathroom → storage → outside.

Move slowly.

Keep the camera steady.

Show the condition of the rooms rather than rushing through them.

However, do not rely exclusively on one long video.

A detailed photograph is usually easier to find and compare later.

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme notes that videos can support written inventory evidence, but they work best when the location and relevant details can be clearly identified.

CHECK THE INVENTORY BEFORE YOU SIGN IT

If your landlord or letting agent provides an inventory, read it carefully.

Do not simply assume that it is accurate.

Compare it with what you can actually see.

If the inventory says:

“Living room wall — good condition.”

but there are several existing holes, photograph them.

If it says:

“Carpet — clean.”

but there is a large stain, document it.

If something is missing from the inventory, make a note of it.

If corrections are needed, tell the landlord or letting agent.

DON'T JUST PHOTOGRAPH IT — REPORT IT

This is one of the most important rules for tenants.

Taking a photograph does not necessarily mean you have reported a maintenance issue.

If you discover:

A leak.
Mould.
Broken heating.
Damaged electrical equipment.
Faulty locks.
Water damage.
Broken appliances.

photograph the issue and report it through the appropriate channel.

Keep a copy of your communication.

For example:

“I noticed a crack in the bathroom tile behind the basin when moving in. I have attached photographs showing the location and condition.”

Now there is a record of:

What happened → when you noticed it → what it looked like → when you reported it.

BUILD YOUR RENTAL EVIDENCE FOLDER

Do not leave everything scattered across your phone.

Create one dedicated folder.

For example:

Rental Property — [Property Address]

Inside it, create:

01 — Inventory

02 — Living Room

03 — Kitchen

04 — Bedrooms

05 — Bathroom

06 — Outside

07 — Meters

08 — Existing Damage

09 — Videos

10 — Communications

This makes everything much easier to locate later.

KEEP THE ORIGINAL FILES

Avoid relying only on edited photographs or screenshots.

Keep the original files where possible.

Do not add filters.

Do not unnecessarily crop out context.

Your goal is to maintain an accurate visual record.

If your phone records date and time information, retain the original files.

BACK EVERYTHING UP

Your phone is not an archive.

Back up your photographs.

You can use:

Secure cloud storage.
A computer.
An external drive.
Another secure storage system.

The important thing is that your evidence remains accessible throughout the tenancy.

SEND YOUR RECORD TO THE AGENT OR LANDLORD

Where appropriate, send relevant photographs and corrections to your landlord or letting agent.

For example:

Subject: Move-in condition record — [Property]

Then explain that you have documented several pre-existing conditions and attach or reference the relevant evidence.

You do not necessarily need to send hundreds of photographs in one email.

The important thing is creating a clear record of issues that need to be acknowledged.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MOVE OUT?

Your move-in photographs become even more useful when you leave.

The ideal approach is to recreate the process.

If possible, photograph:

The same room → from a similar position → under similar conditions.

For example:

Move-in: Living room from doorway.

Move-out: Living room from doorway.

This makes before-and-after comparisons much easier.

Repeat the process throughout the property.

THE MOVE-OUT PHOTO SET

Before handing the property back, photograph:

Inside

Walls.
Ceilings.
Floors.
Carpets.
Doors.
Windows.
Kitchen.
Appliances.
Bathroom.
Bedrooms.
Furniture.

Outside

Garden.
Patio.
Fencing.
Balcony.
Garage.
Shed.

Utilities

Electricity meter.
Gas meter.
Water meter.

Access

Keys.
Fobs.
Parking permits.

Then back everything up.

WHY THIS CAN MATTER FOR YOUR DEPOSIT

If a dispute arises about the condition of the property, evidence can become important.

GOV.UK explains that approved tenancy deposit schemes provide dispute-resolution services where landlords and tenants cannot agree about a deposit. Both sides may need to provide evidence.

Evidence may include:

Tenancy agreement.
Inventory.
Check-in report.
Check-out report.
Photographs.
Videos.
Emails.
Repair records.
Receipts.

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme also identifies photographs and check-in/check-out documentation as useful evidence in deposit disputes.

This does not mean that taking photographs automatically guarantees that your deposit will be returned in full.

The evidence needs to be considered in context.

Fair wear and tear, the tenancy agreement, the condition of the property and the circumstances of any damage can all matter.

WHAT IF THERE IS NO INVENTORY?

If an inventory has not been provided, you can still create your own detailed record.

Photograph the property.

Write down existing defects.

Record meter readings.

Keep your communications.

Then provide the information to your landlord or letting agent.

Some local authority guidance recommends tenants create their own record and take photographs where an inventory is not provided.

The exact legal position can vary depending on the tenancy and location, so seek independent advice if you are dealing with a specific dispute.

WHAT IF YOU NOTICE SOMETHING DAYS AFTER MOVING IN?

Report it immediately.

Do not wait until the end of the tenancy.

Take photographs showing:

The overall area.

The location.

The defect.

Then explain when you discovered it.

For example:

“I noticed this stain behind the wardrobe today. I have attached photographs showing the location and condition. I believe it was present when I moved into the property.”

Keep the response.

WHAT IF THE LANDLORD SAYS YOU CAUSED IT?

Do not immediately assume that you have to accept responsibility.

Review your evidence.

Look at:

Move-in photographs.
Inventory.
Check-in report.
Emails.
Messages.
Repair records.

If the matter concerns a protected tenancy deposit and cannot be resolved between the parties, the relevant deposit scheme may provide a dispute-resolution process.

Your evidence should help establish what happened and when.

THE FIVE-MINUTE MOVE-IN CHECK

If you are in a rush, use this simplified routine.

Before unpacking

Photograph the rooms.

Before using appliances

Photograph their condition.

Before cleaning

Photograph existing dirt, stains and damage.

Before settling in

Photograph meter readings.

Before leaving the property

Back everything up.

Five minutes at the beginning can save considerable time later.

THE TENANT'S ROOM-BY-ROOM CHECKLIST

Entrance

☐ Door

☐ Frame

☐ Lock

☐ Handle

☐ Letterbox

☐ Keys

☐ Fobs

Living Areas

☐ Walls

☐ Ceiling

☐ Flooring

☐ Carpet

☐ Windows

☐ Blinds

☐ Curtains

☐ Radiators

☐ Light fittings

☐ Existing damage

Bedrooms

☐ Walls

☐ Ceiling

☐ Flooring

☐ Windows

☐ Wardrobes

☐ Furniture

☐ Radiators

☐ Light fittings

☐ Existing damage

Kitchen

☐ Worktops

☐ Cabinets

☐ Sink

☐ Taps

☐ Oven

☐ Hob

☐ Extractor

☐ Fridge

☐ Freezer

☐ Dishwasher

☐ Washing machine

☐ Flooring

☐ Existing damage

Bathroom

☐ Bath

☐ Shower

☐ Basin

☐ Toilet

☐ Tiles

☐ Grouting

☐ Sealant

☐ Flooring

☐ Mirror

☐ Extractor

☐ Mould/damp

Outside

☐ Garden

☐ Patio

☐ Fencing

☐ Gates

☐ Balcony

☐ Garage

☐ Shed

Utilities

☐ Electricity

☐ Gas

☐ Water

☐ Boiler

☐ Thermostat

THE BIGGEST MISTAKES TENANTS MAKE

Only photographing attractive areas

Your photographs are evidence, not marketing material.

Taking one photograph per room

You need enough coverage to understand the property's condition.

Taking close-ups without context

Always show where the defect is.

Forgetting the kitchen

Appliances and worktops can be particularly important.

Forgetting the garden

Outdoor areas are part of the property too.

Not recording meter readings

Always photograph the readings when you move in.

Keeping everything only on your phone

Back it up.

Photographing damage but never reporting it

Documentation and notification are different things.

Signing an inaccurate inventory

Read it carefully first.

Deleting the photographs after moving in

Keep them throughout the tenancy and until any deposit matters are resolved.

THE SIMPLE FORMULA

You do not need professional photography equipment.

You need:

A phone.

Good lighting.

A few minutes.

A consistent approach.

And most importantly:

A habit of documenting before assuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I photograph my rental property before moving in?

Yes. Taking photographs before your belongings arrive creates a useful record of the property's starting condition.

Do I still need photographs if there is an inventory?

Yes. Photographs can support the written inventory and provide additional visual evidence.

Should I photograph every room?

Ideally, yes. Start with wide photographs and then document important fixtures and existing defects.

Should I photograph small scratches?

Yes. If the scratch already exists when you move in, document it.

Should I photograph meter readings?

Yes. Take clear photographs of gas, electricity and water meters where applicable.

Should I take a video?

A short walkthrough video can complement your photographs and written inventory.

How should I photograph existing damage?

Use the context → location → detail approach. This makes the defect easier to understand.

Should I report damage if I have photographed it?

Yes. Taking a photograph is not the same as reporting a maintenance issue.

How long should I keep my photographs?

Keep them throughout your tenancy and until your deposit has been returned and any relevant dispute has been resolved.

Can photographs help with a deposit dispute?

They can provide supporting evidence when establishing the condition of the property at the beginning and end of a tenancy. They should be considered alongside the tenancy agreement, inventory and other evidence.

What should I do if there is no inventory?

Create your own detailed record, including photographs, and send relevant information to your landlord or letting agent.

Should I photograph the property again when I leave?

Yes. Ideally, recreate the same photographs you took when moving in so that the two sets can be compared.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Moving into a rental property is not just about collecting the keys.

It is the beginning of your tenancy record.

Before you unpack, document the property.

Before you clean, photograph existing dirt and damage.

Before you use appliances, record their condition.

Before you settle in, photograph your meters.

And whenever you discover an issue, document it and report it.

You are not taking photographs because you expect a dispute.

You are taking them because a clear record is better than relying on memory.

Remember the simple rule:

Photograph it. Record it. Report it. Keep it.

At Property Hub Ltd, we believe that a good rental experience should be built around clear communication, professional management and informed landlords and tenants.

For tenants looking for a rental property, professional guidance can make the process easier — from finding the right property to understanding the application and tenancy process.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general information and educational purposes only. Tenancy legislation, deposit rules and government guidance can change, and rules may differ depending on where in the UK you live and the type of tenancy you have. This article should not be treated as legal advice. Tenants and landlords should check the latest official guidance and seek independent professional advice where appropriate.