A Tenant’s Guide to Taking the House Condition Video
Keeping your rental in good shape is important for your landlord and you. Submitting house condition video is a simple way to protect yourself, ensure your landlord is aware of any changes, and ensure the property stays in good condition. Plus, it’s quick and easy!
In this guide, we’ll explain why and how to submit your house condition video so you can stay on top of things.
Why Submitting House Condition Videos is Important
Recording the condition of your rental regularly is a smart move. Here’s why:
- Protect Yourself: By submitting videos, you have a record of what the house looked like at different stages of your tenancy. This way, you’re covered in any dispute over damages.
- Help Your Landlord Improve: Your videos provide your landlord with useful feedback. If something’s broken or needs fixing, they’ll know about it immediately and can repair it. This improves your living experience too!
- Keep Things Transparent: Regular video check-ins ensure that there is no confusion or misunderstanding about the property’s condition. It’s all there in the video.
When to Submit Your House Condition Video
You must submit your house condition video at specific times during your tenancy. Here’s the breakdown:
- Month 1 (Move-in): Record the house as soon as you move in to show its initial condition.
- Month 3: After settling in, this video will capture any changes that may have happened since moving in.
- Month 6 & 9: These mid-tenancy check-ins keep your landlord updated on the house’s state and allow for any needed repairs.
- Month 12 (Move-out): When you’re moving out, a final video wraps up your time in the house and shows the property’s condition as you leave.
You can also submit ad-hoc videos anytime you feel like showing any urgent issues that can’t wait for the next scheduled submission.
How to Submit Your House Condition Video
Submitting your video is super easy! Here’s how to do it:
- Get the Prompt: You’ll receive a notification in the app when it’s time to submit your video. For example, if you’re prompted on September 2nd, the due date will be 21 days later on September 23rd.
- Record the Video: Walk through each room of your house, recording clear, well-lit videos. Don’t forget to capture important areas like walls, floors, and any appliances that came with the house.
- Upload to the App: Group your photos and videos by the submission month (e.g., “Month 3”). Then, upload them directly to the SPEEDHOME app by the deadline.
What to Include in Your Video
Ensure your video covers all the main areas of your rental to give a clear view of its condition:
- Walls, Floors, and Ceilings: Walk through each room, showing the state of walls, floors, and ceilings. Capture any visible marks, cracks, or signs of wear.
- Appliances: If your landlord provided appliances (e.g., fridge, washing machine), include footage to show they’re in good working condition or highlight if they need attention.
- All Key Areas: Ensure you cover every part of the property, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and any outdoor spaces, to give a full picture of the home.
Reporting Damages
Here’s how to prepare images or videos of damaged areas:
Example 1: A chipped paint on the wall
- Wide shot: Show the wall with the chipped paint in context.
- Close-up shot: Zoom in on the chipped area to clearly show the extent of the damage.
- Different angles: Capture the chip from multiple angles to provide a comprehensive view.
Example 2: A leaky faucet
- Wide shot: Show the sink and faucet.
- Close-up shot: Focus on the leaky faucet, capturing the dripping water.
- Demonstration: Turn the faucet on and off to demonstrate the leak.
Quick Tips for Recording a Great House Condition Video
- Use Good Lighting: Bright light helps the camera pick up all the details, so open up curtains or turn on lights.
- Take Your Time: Walk through the house slowly and be sure to capture all rooms and details. Show the entire unit, including all rooms and any outdoor spaces
- Show Key Items: Focus on important things like appliances, plumbing (sinks, toilets) and lighting
- Highlight Cleanliness: Record the floor, walls & surfaces to show overall cleanliness
- Document Any Damage: Point out any damage wear and tear, or pre-existing issues
- Keep It Steady: Move the camera slowly and avoid shaky footage
After You Submit
Once you’ve submitted your video, you’ll see a summary of what you uploaded in the app. If you’ve missed the submission deadline, you’ll get reminders to ensure you don’t forget. It’s all tracked, so you can stay organized and avoid any last-minute rush.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I miss a submission?
If you miss a scheduled submission, don’t worry! SPEEDHOME will send you reminder notifications so you can submit your house condition video as soon as possible. Just make sure to upload it within the grace period to stay compliant and keep everything up to date.
What if I notice damage after I’ve already submitted a video?
If you spot any damage after submitting your regular house condition video, you can submit an additional ad-hoc video at any time. This ensures your landlord is informed of the issue right away, so they can address it quickly without waiting for the next scheduled submission.
Conclusion
Taking house condition videos might seem like a small task, but it’s really helpful for both you and your landlord. You’ll have peace of mind knowing the property’s condition is on record, and your landlord can quickly address any issues that come up.
So, next time you get that prompt to submit a house condition video, don’t wait! Grab your phone and get it done—your future self will thank you.
Ready to find your next rental home? Check out the wide range of listings at SPEEDHOME. With an easy-to-use platform, you can find your perfect place hassle-free. Start your search now and ensure a smooth move-in experience.
