To prevent disputes at move-out, it's crucial to photograph pre-existing damage and stains before moving in. A rental expert explains which areas to document, how to photograph them, and tips for storing your evidence.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
A thorough guide to mold problems in rental apartments. We explain the causes and prevention methods for mold in bathrooms, window frames, and closets; DIY removal techniques; when you can and cannot request repairs from management companies; and your restoration obligations when moving out.
Learn how to inspect and document damage and stains when moving into a rental property. This practical guide from real estate experts covers how to use a move-in checklist, preserve evidence through photos and video, report findings to your property management company, and prevent move-out disputes before they happen.
A pre-move-in checklist is the most critical document for preventing security deposit disputes at move-out. This guide explains detailed examples for documenting walls, floors, and equipment, along with photo tips and how to submit to your management company.
When moving into a rental property, one crucial step often overlooked is documenting the condition of the unit before move-in. At move-out, disputes like "This damage was already here, but it was deducted from my security deposit" are unfortunately common. To prevent such issues, photographing any existing scratches and stains at move-in is extremely important. This article will walk you through specific photographing methods and key points.
Most disputes that occur at move-out center on determining who caused the damage or stains.
According to Japan's Civil Code and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines on "Restoration to Original Condition and Dispute Resolution," normal wear and tear (aging) is the landlord's responsibility, while damage caused by tenant negligence or intentional acts is the tenant's responsibility. However, in practice, pre-existing damage is sometimes incorrectly attributed to the tenant.
If you document pre-move-in conditions with photos, you can prove "this damage existed before I moved in" and prevent unfair deductions. This is a crucial form of self-protection to safeguard tenant rights.
Before you begin photographing, gather the following items.
What You'll Need
Checking Your Settings Make sure your smartphone's camera app is set to automatically record GPS location and timestamp metadata. On iPhones, this is enabled by default; on Android devices, check the camera settings.
Document scratches on the entrance door, scratches and discoloration on the flooring, and stains or peeling wallpaper.
Photography Tips:
Document scratches, dents, stains, and discoloration on the flooring. Photograph at an angle where light highlights any damage.
Pay Special Attention to:
Document peeling wallpaper, stains, holes, and ceiling marks. Photograph both an overview and close-ups of problem areas.
Document the area around the stove, sink, exhaust fan, and any stains or rust inside cabinets. Since water areas are particularly prone to disputes, photograph thoroughly.
Key Points to Check:
Document mold, water stains, cracked tiles, and the condition of the shower head.
Key Points to Check:
Document cracks and scratches in window glass, stains or rust on frames, and any tears in the screens.
Document the condition of built-in equipment such as air conditioning, water heater, intercom, and light fixtures.
Key Points to Check:
Include the Room Number and Date in Your Photos
Include a note with the room number or that day's newspaper in your shots to make it clear when and where the photo was taken. While your phone's timestamp metadata alone is valid evidence, having visual confirmation in the photo is more convincing.
Use Flash in Dark Areas
For dark areas like closets and storage spaces, use flash to ensure bright, clear photos. Dark photos make it harder to see damage and weaken your evidence.
Also Use Video
Video is effective for areas that are hard to capture in still photos. A walkthrough video of the entire unit makes it easier to pinpoint locations later.
Save your photos in multiple locations.
Ideally, share these photos with your landlord or property management company as a "pre-move-in inspection report," and have both parties review and sign off on it. Some real estate companies provide a move-in checklist; if yours does, keep this checklist along with your photos.
If you discover damage or stains during a viewing or just before move-in, it's important to report them to your landlord or property management company in writing or by email before you move in.
When reporting:
This documentation becomes your strongest defense against move-out disputes.
Photographing pre-move-in damage and stains is an essential task for protecting your tenant rights. While it takes effort, it can dramatically reduce the risk of emotional and financial harm from move-out disputes. Spending a few hours documenting the unit thoroughly on move-in day is an investment in peace of mind later. Even if you're busy settling in, we recommend taking photos before you start unpacking.
Designer rentals are appealing for their stylish exteriors and distinctive interiors, but they come with hidden risks—poor functionality, restoration costs, and sound insulation performance—that you can't judge by looks alone. This guide explains seven key points to check before signing a lease.
床スラブ厚と上階の足音問題——賃貸で「ドン」という衝撃音が響く構造的な理由と物件選びのポイント
前橋・群馬の賃貸エリアガイド【2026年版】——主要エリア別家賃相場と住みやすさを徹底比較
Making the Most of Protruding Beams and Columns in Rental Apartments — Smart Furniture Placement Strategies
Mito & Ibaraki Rental Area Guide [2026] — Comprehensive Explanation of Rental Rates and Livability by Major Area
Uncovering Property Issues by Asking Previous Tenants About Their Departure—Questions to Ask During Viewings and How to Interpret Answers
