Move-In Checklist for Tenants: What to Record on Day One
The day you get the keys is the most important day for protecting your deposit. What you document now determines what you can prove later.
Why the First Day Matters
Most deposit disputes are about condition when you moved in. Did that scratch exist? Was the oven already stained? Was the wall already marked?
The problem? Memory fades. Photos get lost in your camera roll. And by the time you move out — which could be a year or more later — you can't remember what was already there.
Key point: Evidence created on day one, before any dispute exists, is more credible than evidence gathered after problems arise.
What to Photograph When You Move In
Go room by room. Take more photos than you think you need. Cover every angle.
Living areas
- •Floors — scratches, stains, damage
- •Walls — marks, holes, paint condition
- •Windows — cracks, locks working
- •Ceilings — stains, cracks
Kitchen
- •Appliances — fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher
- •Cabinets — condition, handles
- •Countertops — chips, stains
- •Sink and taps — leaks, drains
Bathroom
- •Toilet — condition, flush working
- •Shower/bath — tiles, grout, leaks
- •Sink and mirror — chips, stains
- •Ventilation — fan working
Bedrooms
- •Floors and walls
- •Wardrobes — doors, rails
- •Windows and blinds
- •Light fixtures
Photo tip: Take photos from multiple angles. Get close-ups of any existing damage, marks, or wear. Include wide shots that show context.
Other Things to Record
Beyond photos, there are key documents and details to capture:
Meter readings
Electricity, gas, water. Photograph the meters with readings visible.
Keys received
How many keys, fobs, or access cards? Note the count.
Deposit confirmation
Amount paid, where it's held, reference number.
Lease details
Start date, end date, notice period, landlord contact.
How to Keep Everything Organised
Here's the problem most tenants face:
- ✗Photos scattered across phone galleries, cloud backups, and old devices
- ✗Documents buried in email threads from months ago
- ✗No clear timeline or organisation
RentVault solves this by giving you one place for everything:
- ✓Photos and documents in one location, organised by rental
- ✓Room-by-room structure so nothing gets lost
- ✓Easy to find months later when you need it
Document your move-in in minutes
Upload photos and documents for free. Organise everything in one place.
Move-In Checklist (Quick Summary)
- Photograph every room — floors, walls, ceilings, windows
- Close-ups of any existing damage or wear
- Photograph all appliances — inside and out
- Record meter readings (photo + numbers)
- Count and note keys/fobs received
- Keep deposit confirmation and lease details
- Store everything in one organised place