Security deposit disputes are almost entirely decided by documentation. The landlord who can show a judge or adjudicator a complete, timestamped before-and-after record wins. The landlord who can't loses, regardless of what actually happened.
The Two Documents That Decide Every Dispute
Move-in photos — the baseline. Every room, every surface, every pre-existing mark, timestamped on the day the tenant moved in.
Move-out photos — the comparison. Same rooms, same angles, timestamped on the day the tenant vacated.
The difference between the two sets is the record of damage during tenancy.
What to Photograph at Move-In
- Every room: walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures
- Existing scratches, stains, or damage — close-ups with timestamps
- Appliances: condition and cleanliness
- Exterior: yard, parking space, any outbuildings
At Move-Out
- Same rooms and same angles as move-in
- Any new damage — close-ups
- Cleaning condition
Organizing the Record
TimeFotos keeps photos by property address. Move-in and move-out sets are under the same address record, with automatic timestamps. You can share a professional photo report with the tenant, their lawyer, or a judge in minutes.
Create your free property listing → · timfotos.com/pricing.
Bottom Line
Timestamped move-in and move-out photos are the decisive evidence in security deposit disputes. Create them on every tenancy and organize them by address.