Security deposit photos vs move-in checklist what saved me $1,200

Landlord wanted to keep my whole deposit for 'damage' after I moved out of my apartment in Austin. I had written a detailed checklist but barely took photos of the place at move-in. The second time I rented I did the opposite. Took 50+ photos with timestamps of every single wall floor and appliance. Landlord tried to charge me for carpet stains that were already there. Photos saved me the full $1,200 deposit. Has anyone else had luck fighting charges with just photos vs written notes?

2 comments

2 Comments

sethtorres10d ago

Photos all day lol. Written checklists are worthless if the landlord just says you made it up later. Timestamps and clear shots of every scuff and stain are the only thing that actually shuts them up. I had a landlord try to hit me for a big crack in the bathroom tile that was obviously there before. She dropped it quick when I pulled up the photo with the date on it.

piper_thompson3110d ago

Video walkthrough with your phone's clock visible works even better.