A landlord's turnover inspection: what to photograph between tenants

Most deposit disputes aren't about whether something is damaged. They're about whether it was damaged before. A dated record from before the tenant moved in, matched to one from after they left, makes deductions easier to explain and harder to dispute.

Before the tenant moves in

• Every room from the doorway and the far corner, after cleaning and repairs are finished
• Floors, walls, and paint up close, including any existing wear you're leaving as is
• Appliances inside and out, with model labels if you track replacements
• Windows, screens, blinds, doors, and locks
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and meter readings
• Keys, fobs, and remotes handed over

After the tenant leaves

• The same angles, before any cleaning or repair work starts
• Close-ups of anything you may deduct for, plus a wider shot showing where it is
• Keys returned and final meter readings

Invite the tenant in

A record the tenant also saw and responded to is much stronger than one-sided photos. Walk through together, or send them a link to add their own photos and agree or flag each room.

Deposit rules vary a lot by state, including required condition statements, deadlines, and what counts as normal wear and tear. This is general information, not legal advice.