Technician in a protective suit cleaning a ceiling from a ladder. Example of the work involved; the photo does not show a specific property or a job for this site.
Shots to take in every room
Take a wide shot from the doorway first, then the close-ups below. Turn on all lights.
- Ceiling above the main seating area and around the light fixture.
- Walls at eye level beside where furniture stood, plus any outline where pictures hung.
- Window blinds pulled down and closed, so the slats show color.
- Window glass, sill and frame, especially if the resident smoked by the window.
- Switch plates and outlet covers, with a clean one for comparison if you have one.
- Closet interior: shelf, rod, back wall and ceiling.
- Smoke detector and the ceiling right around it.
- Carpet close-ups showing any burns, ash or discoloration.
- Radiator or heating unit, and the wall behind it.
- HVAC or air conditioner filter as it comes out.
Extra shots by area
| Area | What to capture | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Cabinet interiors, range hood filter, top of the refrigerator | Residue builds where air is still and heat rises |
| Bathroom | Exhaust fan grille, vanity interior, mirror | Some residents smoke under the bathroom fan |
| Bedroom | Ceiling over the bed, closet, window treatment | Often a heavy smoking spot that is overlooked |
| Entry | Inside face of the entry door, door sweep, hallway side of the door | Shows whether smoke reached the corridor |
| Balcony or porch | Ash, butts, burn marks, nearby windows | Relevant if outdoor smoking was or was not allowed |
Keeping the photos usable
- Keep the phone's date stamp or file metadata intact; do not edit or filter images.
- Name a folder with the unit number and move-out date.
- Store the move-in photos in the same folder for easy comparison.
- Add a short text note listing what was found and any odor observations.
- Back the folder up somewhere other than the phone.
Common questions
Can odor be photographed?
Not directly, so pair the photos with a short written note: which rooms smelled, how strongly, and whether it was strongest in closets or near heat. Have a second person sign or initial the note if possible.
Should the departing resident be present?
A joint walkthrough is often helpful because both people see the same conditions. If the resident cannot attend, take the photos anyway and offer to share them.
How long should the photos be kept?
Keep them at least until the deposit is settled and any dispute period has passed. Many landlords keep them with the unit file for the next turnover as well.
General information for Capitol Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.