Photos are the proof behind your study. They show the parts of your property that earn faster deductions, like cabinets, flooring, and light fixtures. Good photos make your study stronger and easier to defend.
This page tells you exactly what to take a picture of. Work room by room. Check off each area as you go. You do not need a fancy camera. Your phone is fine.
The big rules: Send each photo as its own image file. Do not put them all in one PDF. Take them when the property is finished and ready to rent or move into, not during construction. And remember: more photos are better. There is no limit. When in doubt, take the shot.
How to take good photos
- One photo per file. Use the normal photo files from your phone. Do not combine them into a single document.
- Wait until the property is ready. Take photos when the home is finished and rent-ready or move-in ready. Photos from during construction do not work.
- More is better. Extra photos never hurt. They only help. There is no cap on how many you can send.
- Use good light. Turn on the lights and open the blinds. Bright, clear photos are easier to read.
- Get close, then step back. Take one wide shot of the whole room, then close-ups of the details inside it.
Your room-by-room checklist
Walk the property in order. For each area below, get the shots listed. If your property does not have something on the list, just skip it.
Entryway and front door
- The front door and entry, wide enough to see the floor and walls
- Any built-in shelves, benches, or coat areas
- Light fixtures by the door
Kitchen
- One wide shot of the whole kitchen
- The cabinets and countertops up close
- Each appliance (fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave)
- The sink and faucet
- The floor and any backsplash tile
- Light fixtures and under-cabinet lights
Each bathroom
- One wide shot of the full bathroom
- The vanity, sink, and faucet
- The toilet
- The tub or shower, including any tile
- The floor
- Light fixtures and the exhaust fan
Bedrooms and living spaces
- One wide shot of each bedroom and living room
- The flooring (carpet, wood, tile, or vinyl)
- Closet shelves and built-ins
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Window blinds, shades, or other window treatments
Mechanicals and HVAC
- The furnace or air handler
- The outside AC unit (the condenser)
- The thermostat
- Any ductwork you can see
Electrical
- The electrical panel with the door open
- Any sub-panels
- Special outlets, like a 240-volt or EV charger plug
Water heater and plumbing
- The water heater
- Any water softener or filter system
- A sump pump or well pump, if you have one
Flooring
- A clear close-up of each floor type in the home
- Stairs and railings
Exterior
- Each side of the building from the outside
- The roof, from the ground or a safe spot
- Decks, patios, porches, and balconies
- Gutters and exterior lights
Land and site improvements
- The driveway and any walkways
- Parking areas
- Fencing and gates
- Landscaping, retaining walls, and irrigation heads
- A pool, spa, or hot tub, if you have one
- Outdoor signs, mailboxes, or lighting
When you are done
Look back through your photos. Make sure each one is clear and you can tell what it shows. Then upload them to your study, one file at a time. If you took extra photos you are not sure about, send them anyway. We would rather have too many than too few.
This checklist is general guidance to help you gather photos. Your study team will tell you if they need anything else for your specific property.