Move-In Photo Checklist App with GPS Timestamps

The only move-in checklist that automatically timestamps and GPS-tags every photo — creating tamper-evident documentation that protects your deposit.

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Why you need photos — not just a paper checklist

Paper move-in checklists are better than nothing, but they have a critical flaw: your landlord can dispute what you wrote, and you have no visual evidence. A landlord who wants to keep your deposit can simply claim the damage you noted was “normal wear and tear” versus “tenant damage.”

Photos with server-verified timestamps and GPS coordinates change the equation entirely. GPS shows you were at the property. The server timestamp shows exactly when — before or after move-in. The room label shows which area of the apartment. Together, these three elements create documentation that's almost impossible to dispute.

Move-In Photo Checklist by Room

Living Room

  • Walls (all four)
  • Ceiling
  • Floors/carpet
  • Windows and blinds
  • Light fixtures
  • Outlets and switches
  • Door and frame

Kitchen

  • Countertops
  • Cabinets (inside and out)
  • Appliances (stove, fridge, dishwasher)
  • Sink and faucet
  • Floors
  • Walls
  • Light fixtures

Primary Bedroom

  • Walls
  • Ceiling
  • Floors/carpet
  • Closet doors and interior
  • Windows
  • Light fixtures

Bathroom

  • Tub/shower grout and caulk
  • Toilet
  • Sink and vanity
  • Mirror
  • Floors
  • Walls
  • Exhaust fan

FAQ: What can landlords legally dispute?

Can my landlord charge me for normal wear and tear?

No. In almost every US state, landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear from a security deposit. This includes minor carpet wear, small nail holes, and faded paint. They can only deduct for damage beyond normal use. Documentation showing the condition at move-in vs. move-out is your evidence.

What if I didn't document at move-in?

Document immediately at move-out instead. Courts generally put the burden on the landlord to prove damage was caused by you — but photos at move-out showing the current condition are still valuable. Many renters who documented only move-out still won their cases.

What makes a photo legally usable as evidence?

A photo is stronger evidence when it has a verifiable timestamp (not editable phone metadata), GPS location proving you were at the property, and context (room label, what the photo shows). DepositSafe provides all three automatically.

Use DepositSafe for your move-in checklist

GPS-timestamped photos, organized by room, free PDF export. The checklist that actually protects you.

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