Landlord Videos: Move-in and Move-out Videos

Updated 8/8/24

Documenting the condition of a rental property before a tenant moves in and after they move out is essential for protecting both landlords and tenants. One of the most effective ways to do this is by creating detailed move in and move out videos. These videos serve as clear evidence of the property’s condition at both the start and end of a tenancy, helping to prevent disputes over security deposits and potential damages. This article will guide you on how to effectively record move in and move out videos to ensure you have the necessary documentation.

How to Record Move In and Move Out Videos

Before we dive into how to record move in and move out videos, it’s important to understand their significance. These videos provide a visual record that can be more persuasive than written descriptions alone. They help ensure that any damages or issues are clearly documented, protecting landlords from unwarranted claims and helping tenants understand their responsibilities. In cases where disputes arise, these videos can serve as critical evidence in legal proceedings.

Prepare the Property

Before recording your move in and move out videos, ensure the property is clean and free of clutter. A well-prepared property allows for clearer documentation of its condition. Remove any personal items or debris that might obscure your view of the property’s features. Make sure the lighting is adequate in all rooms, as good visibility is crucial for capturing clear and detailed footage. If necessary, bring additional lighting or record during daylight hours to enhance the video quality.

Use the Right Equipment

To produce high-quality move in and move out videos, it’s important to use the right equipment. A smartphone with a good camera can suffice, but for the best results, consider using a high-definition camera or a device with image stabilization to avoid shaky footage. Ensure that your device has sufficient storage space and battery life before you start recording. A tripod can be helpful to keep the camera steady, especially when capturing specific details like close-ups of appliances or fixtures.

Record the Entire Property

When recording move in and move out videos, it’s essential to capture the entire property, including all rooms, hallways, closets, and exterior areas. Start at the entrance and work your way through the property in a logical sequence, covering each area methodically. As you record, take your time to pan the camera slowly over walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures to ensure every detail is visible. Don’t forget to capture often overlooked areas such as inside cabinets, under sinks, and around window frames.

Highlight Important Details

While recording, pay special attention to any areas that may be subject to wear and tear, such as carpets, countertops, and appliances. Zoom in on any existing damages or imperfections, such as scratches, stains, or cracks, and provide verbal commentary describing what you see. This commentary can be useful later to clarify specific details in the video. For move out videos, compare these details with the footage from the move in video to highlight any changes or damages that occurred during the tenancy.

Date and Store the Videos Securely

Once you’ve completed the recording, it’s crucial to date the videos and store them securely. Label each video with the property address, the tenant’s name, and the date of recording. This ensures that the videos are easily identifiable and can be referenced quickly if needed. Store the videos in a secure location, such as a cloud storage service or an external hard drive, to protect them from loss or damage. It’s also wise to keep a backup copy in case the original is lost or corrupted.

Additional Tips

Remember, these videos could be used to later help you resolve security deposit disputes. When recording the moving out state of the rental property, it’s important to really capture any important areas like ruined carpet, mold issues, damage, etc. Try and talk as much as you can and describe any smells, colors, etc to truly project the current state of the rental through the video.

Recording thorough move in and move out videos is an invaluable step in protecting your property and preventing disputes with tenants. By preparing the property, using the right equipment, and carefully documenting every detail, you can create a clear and indisputable record of the property’s condition. This documentation not only safeguards your investment but also fosters transparency and fairness in your dealings with tenants. If you need further assistance with managing your rental property, or if you’d like advice on best practices for move in and move out procedures, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you protect your property and ensure smooth tenant transitions.