When a tenant causes damage, your documentation determines whether you recover the cost. Here's how to document rental property damage after tenant move-out.
Do It Immediately
Document the property the day the tenant vacates, before any cleaning or repairs. This establishes the condition at move-out.
What to Photograph
- Every damaged surface — holes, stains, scratches, breaks — close-up and in context
- Room by room — overall shots first, then close-ups of damage
- Compare to move-in — if you have move-in photos (you should), review them to identify new damage clearly
Organize and Timestamp
Use an app that ties photos to the property address and adds automatic timestamps. TimeFotos keeps move-in and move-out photos under the same address record — so the comparison is clear for any court or mediation.
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Repair Invoices
Get repair invoices that match the documented damage. The combination of photos showing damage and repair invoices showing cost is the standard evidence for deposit withholding.
Bottom Line
Document tenant damage immediately at move-out with timestamped photos by room and damage type. Tie repair invoices to the documented damage. Keep everything under one address record.