Landlords keep deposits for damage that was already there. The only reliable defense is a dated record made before you occupied the unit. This takes about twenty minutes and is worth more than everything else on this site combined.

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Before you move anything in

Photograph every room, wide shot first, then close-ups of anything imperfectPhotograph all four corners of every floor, and the carpet in the traffic pathsPhotograph every wall — scuffs, holes, patches, mismatched paintPhotograph inside the oven, fridge, dishwasher, and under every sinkPhotograph all window screens, blinds, and every window latchPhotograph bathroom grout, caulk, tub surface, and toilet basePhotograph counters and cabinet interiors, including chips and burnsVideo walkthrough narrating what you see — thirty seconds a room

Get the timestamp right

Confirm your phone’s date and time are correct before you startCheck that photos carry EXIF timestamps (most phones do by default)Back the whole set up to cloud storage the same dayDo NOT edit or crop the originals — keep them untouched

Put it in writing to the landlord

Complete the move-in condition form if one is provided — in detail, not "fine"If no form is provided, write your own list and email itEmail the list and photo links to the landlord within the first few daysKeep the sent email — a dated message they received is the strongest form of this recordAsk in writing for confirmation they received it

Record the money and the terms

Save proof of every deposit paid — canceled check, bank record, or receiptNote whether each amount was called a deposit (refundable) or a fee (often not)Save the signed lease as a PDF, including every addendumNote any state-required deposit receipt or account disclosure you were given

Keep this record. If your deposit is ever withheld, these photos are what turns a dispute into a documented claim.

Deposit already withheld?If the deadline has passed, the checklist is behind you — the next step is a statute-cited demand, mailed certified.

Start my letter — $29

What counts as wear and tear Check my deductions My state's deadline

General information, not legal advice. Lease terms and state requirements vary — check your lease and your state's rules.

Move-in checklist

Before you move anything in

Get the timestamp right

Put it in writing to the landlord

Record the money and the terms

Deposit already withheld?