A useful damage photo shows both what the issue is and where it is. A close-up alone can be difficult to place, while a wide photo alone may hide the detail.
Use a three-photo pattern
Start with a room overview. Take a medium photo that connects the affected surface to a door, window or fixed fitting. Finish with a sharp close-up that shows the mark without digital zoom.
Keep descriptions factual
Describe what is visible: light scratch on left side of kitchen worktop, for example. Avoid guessing at cause, responsibility or repair cost. If scale matters, include a common object or ruler without covering the damage.
Photograph common risk areas
- Floor scratches, stains, chips and lifting edges
- Wall holes, marks, cracks and discolouration
- Countertop chips, burns and water swelling
- Window cracks, failed seals and damaged blinds
- Bathroom mould, sealant gaps, leaks and chipped fixtures
- Appliance dents, missing parts and display errors
Preserve originals
Do not crop, filter or annotate the only copy. Store the original and keep any note as associated metadata. If conditions change, add a new dated update instead of replacing the first photo.
Use the same pattern on day one with our move-in checklist and on your last day with our move-out checklist.