As a renter in Yukon, documenting the condition of your rental at move-in protects your deposit and helps resolve disputes. Clear photos and short dated videos create objective evidence of existing damage, cleanliness, and appliance condition that both you and your landlord can rely on. This guide explains practical steps for capturing reliable photo evidence, how to organize and share records with your landlord, and which official forms or offices to contact if a disagreement arises. Use these tips to make inspections easier and maintain a paper-and-digital trail that supports your rights as a tenant in Yukon.
Before You Move In
Arrive early on move-in day and do a systematic walk-through. Focus on areas that commonly affect deposit returns: floors, walls, fixtures, appliances, windows, and plumbing. Note odours, stains, existing damage, and missing items. Record the meter readings and any keys provided.
- Take wide-angle photos of each room showing overall condition and at least three close-ups of any marks, stains, or damage.
- Include a timestamp or use your phone's date metadata and say the date aloud on video to create a clear time record.
- Photograph serial numbers on appliances and condition of provided furnishings or window coverings.
- Keep a written checklist and initial or sign it with the landlord during the initial inspection when possible.
How to Take Reliable Photo Evidence
Good photos are clear, well-lit, and show scale. Use natural light when possible, avoid blurry images, and include a commonly sized object (like a coin or a sheet of paper) to show scale where size matters. Back up files immediately to cloud storage and keep original files; do not overwrite timestamps.
- Photograph each wall from corner to corner and take close-ups of damage with a ruler or coin for scale.
- Record short video walkthroughs that pan slowly across each room while narrating the date and observed issues.
- Save copies in at least two locations: your device and a cloud folder (emailing photos to yourself creates a dated record).
- Label files with room name, date, and a short description (for example: "kitchen-floor-stain-2026-02-01.jpg").
Sharing Records and Using Them in Inspections
Provide your landlord with a copy of the photos and checklist at the time of move-in, and request that they sign or acknowledge receipt. If the landlord completes an initial inspection form, compare it against your photos and keep both. If the landlord refuses to inspect with you, send photos by email and keep sent confirmations.
- When you send photos, include a short dated note describing what each image shows and keep the sent email as proof of sharing.
- Keep originals and do not edit image metadata; edited timestamps can reduce credibility in disputes.
Forms, Offices, and the Law in Yukon
Yukon tenants may rely on the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for their rights and obligations[1]. If you need to file a formal dispute about a deposit or damage claims, contact the territorial office that handles tenancy disputes and use the official dispute application form when required[2]. When preparing a complaint, attach dated photos, a written inventory, and any inspection reports to the application.
- Common official forms include a dispute application and notices to end tenancy; use the dispute application to request a hearing and attach your photo evidence.
- Example: if your landlord deducts $500 from your deposit for alleged wall damage, submit your dated photos showing the damage pre-existed your tenancy with your dispute application.
Relevant internal resources
For more on deposits and inspections, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know and the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for practical checklists and inspection forms.
To find a new place or compare units when moving in or out, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a quick map-based view of listings.
FAQ
- Can I take photos of the unit during move-in?
- Yes, tenants may take photos and videos to document the condition of the unit; these are useful when returning a security deposit or resolving disputes.
- What if my landlord disagrees with my photos?
- Keep copies of all photos, email them to your landlord to create a dated record, and if disagreements continue, use the territorial dispute process with your supporting evidence.
- How long should I keep move-in photos?
- Keep photos for the entire tenancy and at least until deposit issues are fully resolved after move-out; digital backups are recommended.
How-To
- Prepare: bring a checklist, camera or phone, and a pen; note meter readings and keys provided before moving items in.
- Photograph: take wide shots and close-ups of damage, appliances, and utilities, and record short dated walkthrough videos.
- Organize: label files with date and room, backup to cloud storage, and email a copy to yourself and the landlord.
- Use: attach photos to any inspection forms or dispute applications and provide them to the Residential Tenancies Office if you file a complaint.
Key Takeaways
- Take clear, dated photos and short videos of each room at move-in to document condition.
- Share photos with your landlord and keep copies in multiple locations for evidence.
- Use official dispute forms and contact the tenancy office if you cannot resolve a deposit or damage claim.
Help and Support / Resources
- Yukon Government: Landlord and tenant rights
- Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Yukon)
- Residential Tenancies Office - Yukon
