Security deposit photos: what to take and when
Most deposit arguments come down to one question: what condition was the place in, and when? Dated photos answer it. This guide covers which security deposit photos to take at each stage of a rental.
Updated October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Rules about rentals differ by state, province and city, so check yours.
At move-in: show what was already there
Before you unpack, photograph every room, every wall and the floors, plus anything already scuffed, stained, chipped or broken. Open cabinets, run the taps, and photograph inside the oven, the fridge and the closets. These photos show your landlord the condition you started with.
During the lease: record problems as they happen
When something breaks or starts to leak, photograph it that day and tell your landlord in writing. A dated problem you reported is easier to separate from damage you caused. See how to document damage in a rental.
At move-out: show how you left it
After you clean and remove your things, photograph each room again from the same angles as at move-in. Include the inside of appliances, bathrooms, closets, and the yard or entry if you have one. Walk the whole place, then walk it once more for anything you missed.
Match move-in and move-out shots
Photograph the same walls and corners at both ends of your stay. When the two sets sit side by side, any difference is easy to see, and normal wear is easy to tell apart from damage. More on that in normal wear and tear vs damage.
Keep originals, keep dates
Do not edit or crop the originals. Back them up. Keep them organized by room and date so you can find one in seconds if a charge shows up on your deposit statement.
Dingkeep: Renter Photo Record. iPhone, United States and Canada.
Questions renters ask
When should I take security deposit photos?
At move-in before you unpack, whenever something breaks during the lease, and at move-out after you clean.
Do deposit photos prove my case?
They are strong evidence of condition and timing, but outcomes depend on your lease and local law, and no app or photo can promise a result.
Should I send my photos to my landlord?
Many renters send move-in photos by email soon after getting the keys, so there is a dated record that they were shared. Check what your lease says about move-in inspections.