Move-In and Move-Out Inspection in Malta: What to Photograph

A dated handover prevents confusion about the condition of an apartment, appliances and utility readings. Use an agreed checklist with both parties.

Before keys change hands

Confirm who will attend, the correct address, date, tenancy reference and who may receive the final inventory. Walk through each room with the occupants, noting pre-existing marks, leaks, broken fittings and cleaning condition. Agree how disagreements will be recorded rather than editing one party's photos without explanation.

Photographs and readings

Capture wide-angle room views followed by close-ups of individual defects. Photograph water and electricity meter readings, the visible appliance model plates where relevant and working key counts without exposing key codes. Avoid including ID cards, personal bank details, prescriptions or unrelated belongings in shared photo archives.

Items to test appropriately

With permission, verify taps, visible drains, shutters, doors, lighting, supplied appliances and known access arrangements. Do not dismantle electrical fittings, open pressurised equipment or test unsafe appliances. Record any item not tested and why rather than claiming it was working.

A useful sign-off pack

Provide a room-by-room defect list, photographs, inventory, readings, number of keys, outstanding repairs and signed acknowledgements where applicable. Keep the record securely in the property workspace and share only with authorised parties. On move-out, compare against the initial documented condition rather than relying on memory.

When to call Finishline

If the work needs inspection, coordination, specialist trades or recurring follow-up, Finishline can turn the issue into a tracked request with visits, quotations and work history linked to the property.