Start with wide shots
For each room, take a doorway photo and an opposite-corner photo. This shows the layout and helps locate close-up issues later. Then capture floors, walls, ceilings, windows, blinds, built-ins, doors, handles, power points, and light fittings.
Wide shots are especially useful for disputes about stains, paint marks, cracked plaster, scuffed floors, water damage, and missing fittings. A close-up proves the detail, but the wide shot proves where it was.
Do the wet areas properly
Bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, and balconies often carry the most arguments because water, mould, grease, drainage, and ventilation issues can worsen over time. Photograph sinks, taps, drains, grout, silicone, cabinets, exhaust fans, mirrors, shower screens, toilet bases, ceilings, and under-sink areas.
If there is mould, staining, swelling, rust, a smell, or poor drainage, record it and report it in writing. Do not wait until the exit inspection to mention a wet-area issue that was already visible at entry.
Record appliances and inclusions
Open the oven, dishwasher, rangehood, air conditioner, wardrobes, garage, shed, and any furnished items. Photograph scratches, dents, missing shelves, missing remotes, loose handles, cracked seals, and anything that does not work.
Inclusions matter because they can become bond questions later. If a remote, key, shelf, plug, bin, or furniture item is missing at entry, make sure the report says so.
Export a clean report
Once you have your photos, export them into a room-by-room PDF or folder with labels. A practical record is easier to use than a camera roll with 300 images from move-in day mixed with takeaway photos and removalist receipts.
Keep the original photos too. Original files can preserve useful metadata, while the labelled report helps other people understand the story quickly.
Sources
Article written 2026-06-26