California Photographic Documentation Disclosure & Acknowledgment

California AB 2801 Photographic Documentation Requirements for Landlords

California Assembly Bill 2801 introduced new requirements related to security deposit deductions and property condition documentation. One of the requirements relates to photographic documentation.

Landlords must take time-stamped photographs of a rental unit at move-in, move-out, and after repairs or cleaning. The purpose of these photographs is to document:

• The condition of the premises at move-out
• Damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Applicable cleaning conditions
• Missing items
• Changes to the property
• Any condition that impacts security deposit accounting

Photographs are now a key requirement for security deposit compliance and a necessary step for landlords to legally make security deposit deductions.

The California Photographic Documentation Disclosure and Acknowledgement helps landlords comply with this new requirement and provides key documentation that the Tenant understands and acknowledges that photographs will be used.

Attach it to your California Lease Agreement to ensure compliance with all California lease laws.

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What Is the California Photographic Documentation Disclosure & Acknowledgement Form?

Starting in 2025, California landlords who collect a security deposit and intend to make deductions must take photographs of a unit at move in, move out, and after repairs or cleaning are done.

Because of this requirement, many California landlords and property managers ask tenants to sign a Photographic Documentation Disclosure and Acknkowledgement, disclosing when photographs will be taken and providing documentation that the tenant was informed about the process for photographic documentation.

Do California Landlords Need Move In and Move Out Photos for Security Deposits?

Yes, as of July 1, 2025, landlords must take photographs of a unit before and after a tenancy. For tenancies starting before July 1, 2025, landlords must take photographs of the unit when the tenant surrenders possossession and after a repairs are made.

For tenancies starting on or after July 1, 2025, landlords must take photographs at move-in, move-out, and after repairs are made.