Renter's Guide to Home Inventory and Documentation

Just because you don't own your home doesn't mean you shouldn't track your belongings. Your stuff matters, and documenting it protects you financially—whether from theft, disaster, or security deposit disputes.

Why Renters Need Home Inventory

Your Landlord's Insurance Doesn't Cover You

Many renters assume their landlord's insurance will help if something goes wrong. It won't. Landlord insurance covers the building, not your belongings. Without documentation, you'll struggle to prove what you owned.

Renters Insurance Claims

If you have renters insurance (you should!), a detailed inventory speeds up claims and ensures you get fair compensation. Insurance companies often undervalue claims without documentation.

Security Deposit Protection

Document your unit's condition at move-in and move-out. Photos with timestamps prove whether damage existed before you moved in—protecting you from unfair deposit deductions.

Move-In Documentation

Before unpacking, document everything:

1. Photograph every room — Wide shots and close-ups
2. Document existing damage — Scratches, stains, broken fixtures
3. Video walkthrough — Narrate what you see
4. Check all fixtures — Test outlets, faucets, appliances
5. Note model numbers — For any appliances included
6. Email to landlord — Create a paper trail of what was documented

Store all of this in an app like Dib so it's timestamped and easily accessible if you need it later.

Building Your Renter's Inventory

Focus on these categories:

High-Value Items

• Electronics (TV, computer, phone, gaming systems)
• Furniture (bed, sofa, desk)
• Clothing (estimate total value by category)
• Jewelry and watches

Easy to Forget

• Kitchen items (small appliances, cookware)
• Books, media, games
• Linens and towels
• Sports and hobby equipment
• Seasonal items in storage

Documentation Details

For each item, capture:

• Photo (multiple angles for valuables)
• Approximate value
• Purchase info if available
• Serial numbers for electronics

Move-Out Checklist

1. Clean thoroughly — Beyond normal cleaning
2. Document condition — Same photos as move-in
3. Compare photos — Side-by-side with move-in
4. Request walkthrough — Do this with your landlord present
5. Get it in writing — Any agreed deductions should be documented

Renters Insurance Tips

• Get it — It's cheap and valuable
• Match coverage to inventory — Don't underinsure
• Consider replacement cost — Worth the small premium increase
• Add riders for valuables — Standard policies have limits on jewelry, electronics
• Update annually — As you acquire more stuff

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Started

Whether you're moving into a new place or have been renting for years, it's never too late to start documenting. Dib makes it fast with AI-powered scanning—just take photos and let the app do the work.

Your future self will thank you when you need to make a claim or prove your security deposit should be returned.