How to Photograph a Rented Flat at Move-In in Nigeria

Move-in photographs are most useful when another person can tell which room they show, when they were taken and what condition they record. This guide focuses on making a tenant's record understandable at handover; it is separate from a pre-rental inspection or a discussion of deposit deductions.

Why loose photos are hard to use

A close-up of a cracked tile may show the crack, but not which bathroom it came from. A camera roll with no room names can become confusing months later, particularly if several similar flats were viewed. The aim is to preserve a clear account of what you saw when you took possession, not to make the flat look attractive in a listing.

Start wide, then move closer

Begin at the entrance and photograph each room from more than one corner. Include doors, windows, floors, walls and fixed fittings in a wide view. For any existing mark, take a second image that places it in the room, then a close image that shows its detail. Keep the sequence together so another person can locate the feature without guessing.

Describe what a photograph cannot show

A picture may show a tap but not that it leaks when running. Write a short, neutral observation beside the relevant photo: for example, "kitchen sink, left tap drips after closing". Photograph the fitting and, if useful, take a short video of the behavior. Do not label a mark as structural damage or a health hazard on the strength of a photo alone; ask a qualified person if its cause matters.

Keep the date and room attached

Retain the original files and their capture dates. Name a shared folder or message by the flat and move-in date, then label groups by room. If photos are edited for visibility, keep the originals too. A simple written list can point to the image numbers. Avoid including personal documents, other residents or private belongings unnecessarily.

Share the record while details are fresh

Send the landlord or agent a concise written record soon after taking possession, using a channel that leaves a copy. Identify the flat, date and rooms, and invite corrections to any disputed observation. Keep the original message and any response. If you cannot access an area or a fitting cannot be tested, state that gap instead of treating it as checked.

A small example

In a Lagos flat, a tenant photographs the living room from the doorway, then the wall beside the balcony door, then a close view of a paint mark. The accompanying note says where the mark is and when the photos were taken. That sequence explains far more than one cropped picture of paint. The property inspection checklist covers what to inspect before agreeing to rent; the caution fee guide covers deposit questions. This guide is about making the move-in condition record understandable.

Next step

If you are still looking for a home, browse rental properties on Cabans and use the same clear observation habit when you visit.