AB 2801 Photo Checklist for California Landlords: What to Shoot and When
AB 2801 added photograph requirements to California Civil Code § 1950.5. A practical checklist of when photos are taken, what to shoot, and how to keep the files organized.
Updated September 29, 2026
Three sets of photographs: at the start of the tenancy (for tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025), after possession returns and before repairs or cleaning, and again after the work is done.
When each set is taken
The statute describes photographs at three moments. The move-in requirement applies to tenancies that begin on or after July 1, 2025. The move-out and post-repair requirements began April 1, 2025 and are not tied to the tenancy start date.
- Move-in: immediately before, or at the inception of, the tenancy.
- Move-out: within a reasonable time after possession is returned, but before any repairs or cleaning.
- Post-repair: within a reasonable time after the repairs or cleaning are completed.
A practical shot list
The statute says photographs are taken; it does not prescribe how. These are practical suggestions, not statutory requirements.
- A wide shot of every room from the doorway, then each wall.
- Floors, carpets, and baseboards in each room.
- Kitchen appliances inside and out.
- Bathroom fixtures, tile, and grout.
- Windows, blinds, screens, doors, and locks.
- Close-ups of any damage, with a common object in frame for scale.
Keeping the record clean
Take move-out photographs before any cleaning or repair work starts, keep the original files without cropping or filters, and repeat the same angles at each stage so the sets can be compared.
The printable checklist on this site turns this into a two-page worksheet with the statute's citations.
Delivering the photographs
The statute describes delivery by mail, email, computer flash drive, or by providing a link where the tenant may view the photographs online. This guide does not decide which method fits your situation.
Frequently asked
- Do move-in photos apply to a tenancy that started in 2024?
- The move-in photograph requirement applies to tenancies that begin on or after July 1, 2025. The move-out and post-repair requirements are not tied to the tenancy start date.
- How many photos do I need?
- The statute does not state a number. Cover every area where you may claim a deduction, and keep them organized by room and date.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This is an educational summary. Read the statute yourself and consult a California attorney about your situation.
See where your documentation stands.
The free check estimates your 21-day window and shows which photos and receipts you are missing. No account, no card.
MoveOutGuard is a document preparation and evidence organization tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Drafts, checklists, and deadline estimates require your review and are not a guarantee of compliance or outcomes. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney.