Quick checklist
Before you arrive
- Confirm who is attending and how you'll get access.
- Check the start date, keys and meter locations.
- Have a plan for photos: wide shot first, then details.
At the property (do these first)
- Take a wide photo of every room.
- Photograph any existing damage up close.
- Photograph meter readings and the meter itself.
- Note anything missing that was meant to be provided.
At a glance
Set a clear move-in baseline so future comparisons are objective and easier to resolve.
TL;DR for busy property managers
- Always capture a room-wide photo first, then detail photos.
- Pair every issue photo with a factual note (what/where/extent).
- Take meter readings and confirm keys at the same visit.
What to write down
- Any stains, chips, cracks or marks (keep it factual).
- Appliance condition (working/not working, obvious wear).
- Cleanliness issues (again, factual).
What to photograph (minimum set)
- Kitchen: worktops, hob/oven, sink, inside fridge/freezer if supplied.
- Bathroom: bath/shower tray, taps, toilet, tiles/grout.
- Living/bedrooms: carpets, walls, windowsills, radiators.
- Hallways/stairs: carpets, scuffs, handrails.
Common mistakes
- Only taking close-ups and forgetting the wide shots.
- Taking photos in low light with no context.
- Writing opinions instead of observations.
Using TenancyKit
- Create a property and tenancy.
- Start a check-in inspection.
- Work room by room, add photos, then export a proof pack when you're done.
FAQ
How detailed should a check-in inventory be?
Detailed enough that another person can understand condition without being there. Focus on facts, not long narratives.
Do I need both wide and close-up photos?
Yes. Wide shots provide location/context; close-ups show the issue clearly.
Run this process faster in TenancyKit
Capture room-by-room photos, notes and meter readings, then export a clean evidence pack your agency can send with confidence.
Tip: use this guide as your branch SOP, then mirror the same room-by-room structure in your exports.
Related guides for letting agencies
Interim inspection checklist
Focused mid-term checks without turning visits into full re-inventories.
Read guide →
Check-out proof pack: what to include
What to capture and how to structure evidence for handover/disputes.
Read guide →
Deposit dispute evidence (UK): the basics
What makes evidence stronger and what commonly weakens a claim.
Read guide →
What to photograph at move-in
The minimum photo set that saves arguments later.
Read guide →
Meter readings: what to record
Capture clear meter evidence at move-in and check-out.
Read guide →