Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but it’s also the most important moment to protect your security deposit. Many renters lose part of their deposit simply because they didn’t document the condition of the property when they first moved in.
Taking clear photos and videos of the apartment before unpacking creates a record of what the property looked like at the beginning of your tenancy. If damage was already present, your photos can help prove that it wasn’t caused by you.
A simple checklist can make this process quick and thorough.
Move-In Photo Checklist
Take photos or short videos of the following areas before moving your belongings inside.
Entry and Doors
☐ Front door condition
☐ Door locks and handles
☐ Door frames and hinges
☐ Entry flooring or mats
Walls and Ceilings
☐ All walls in each room
☐ Ceiling surfaces and corners
☐ Any cracks, stains, or marks
☐ Paint condition
Floors
☐ Carpet condition
☐ Hardwood or tile flooring
☐ Scratches, dents, or stains
☐ Floorboards near walls
Kitchen
☐ Stove and oven condition
☐ Refrigerator interior and exterior
☐ Kitchen countertops
☐ Cabinets and drawers (inside and outside)
☐ Sink and faucet
☐ Range hood or ventilation fan
Bathroom
☐ Sink and vanity
☐ Toilet condition
☐ Shower or bathtub
☐ Bathroom tiles and grout
☐ Mirrors and cabinets
☐ Water pressure from taps
Windows and Lighting
☐ Window glass and frames
☐ Window locks and handles
☐ Blinds or curtains
☐ Light fixtures and switches
Appliances and Utilities
☐ Air conditioning or heating units
☐ Washing machine or dryer
☐ Electrical outlets
☐ Smoke detectors
Balcony or Outdoor Areas (if applicable)
☐ Balcony flooring
☐ Railings and doors
☐ Outdoor lighting
☐ Storage areas
Extra Tips to Protect Your Deposit
• Take wide photos of each room and close-ups of damage
• Record a short video walkthrough of the entire apartment
• Save the files with timestamps
• Send the photos to the landlord or property manager so both parties have a record
Documenting the apartment thoroughly can make the difference between receiving your full deposit back or losing part of it.
👉 Before moving into a property, it’s also helpful to learn from the experiences of previous tenants. Visit https://hub.pleasy.com.au/ to explore renter insights about buildings and landlords.