Field guide

How to Document Rental Property Condition

Clear documentation is specific, dated, and honest about what was—and was not—observed. A consistent process makes later review easier.

1. Record the context

Include a property reference, inspection date, inspection type, and relevant participants. If an area could not be accessed, note that and the reason if known.

2. Describe observations plainly

Use location and detail: “scuff marks on the wall beside the bedroom closet” is more useful than “bad wall.” Distinguish visual observations from tested operation, and avoid guessing at a cause.

3. Use photos to add context

Capture enough of the room to orient the viewer, then a closer view of the feature. Keep the date, room, and subject clear in captions. A photo is a record of what it shows, not proof of when or why a condition occurred.

4. Keep records safely

Review the notes while details are fresh, export a report, and make a separate backup. Browser storage can be cleared or lost, so do not treat it as your only copy.

Start with the room-by-room checklist or use the inspection workspace to keep findings organized.