Tenant Move-In Protection Guide

Your security deposit is at risk from the moment you receive the keys. Pre-existing damage that you did not document can be charged to you at move-out. A 10-minute photo inspection on move-in day is one of the most effective things a tenant can do to protect their deposit.

Why move-in documentation matters

Landlords can only deduct for damage that occurred during your tenancy.
Without documentation, pre-existing damage looks like yours.
A timestamped report shows what the property looked like before you moved in.
A written record is more credible than verbal statements in a dispute.
In Ontario, the LTB considers documented evidence heavily in T1/T2 hearings.

Do this on move-in day (before unpacking)

Photograph every room before moving any furniture or boxes inside.
Capture wide shots of each room from the doorway.
Take close-up photos of any existing damage, stains, or marks.
Document every wall, floor, window, and appliance.
Photograph the exterior, parking space, and storage if included.
Save a copy of the report somewhere you can access later.

What to photograph specifically

Scuffs, scratches, holes, or marks on walls
Carpet stains, worn areas, or damaged flooring
Cracked tiles, broken fixtures, or missing hardware
Appliance condition (oven, fridge, dishwasher, washer/dryer)
Window condition, blinds, and door locks
Bathroom fixtures, grout, and ventilation
Any existing damage you were told about verbally

What to do with the report

Share it with your landlord on or shortly after move-in.
Ask for written acknowledgement (email reply is sufficient).
Save a copy in a location you control — not just in the landlord's records.
Keep it for the entire duration of your tenancy.
Reference it at move-out to compare condition.

Common mistakes tenants make

Waiting until after unpacking to take photos
Only photographing obvious damage and skipping normal areas
Taking photos but never organising or saving them properly
Not sharing the documentation with the landlord in writing
Losing photos when switching phones or deleting old camera rolls
Assuming the landlord's move-in report is accurate

How StayProof helps

StayProof turns your move-in photos into a structured, timestamped PDF condition report in about 10 minutes. AI identifies and describes visible issues, you confirm what's real, and you get a shareable report you can send to your landlord on move-in day. No scattered camera roll. No question about what was pre-existing.

Disclaimer: StayProof reports are documentation aids. They do not constitute legal advice or guarantee outcomes in any dispute. Consult a paralegal or tenant advocacy organisation for legal guidance.