The deposit deadline is real. So is the burden of proof. Be ready for both.
A timestamped photo baseline at move-in, paired with move-out photos, and your state’s itemized statement generated before the deadline. Every deduction backed by evidence. No deposit ever touches us.
Renting, rather than renting out? See what this looks like from your side
Why Before You Go
no custody
Evidence, not the money.
Photos, timestamps, and a hash-locked baseline. We document the deposit decision. The deposit itself never touches us.
california · ab 2801
Photo documentation, built in.
AB 2801 makes before-and-after photos the baseline for California deductions. Before You Go builds that record by default, with your state’s deadlines applied. General information, not legal advice.
symmetric
Both sides, same record.
Every photo, note, and deduction reaches tenant and landlord the moment it exists. Silence is never counted as agreement.
baseline in · settlement out
One lease. One loop. Every deduction provable.
watch · 37 seconds
The whole loop, start to finish.
Baseline in, settlement out. One lease, every deduction provable.
two views · one truth
Both sides see the same apartment.
Every photo, deduction, and response lands in both views at the same moment. Silence never counts as agreement.
- Shoot the move-in baseline
- Review wall-mark deduction
- Approve or dispute each line
- Add forwarding address
- Baseline received and countersigned
- Photo pair + $325 receipt attached
- Every response on the record
- Deadline countdown tracked
same evidence · both views · no response ≠ approved
questions · answered
Before you commit
Do you hold the security deposit?
Never. We document deposit decisions: the photos, the itemized statement, both parties’ responses. The money never touches us. No payment rails, no holding account, no middleman.
What if my tenant won’t do the walkthrough?
Automatic reminders go out first. If they still don’t respond, you can complete the walkthrough solo. The report is clearly labeled as landlord-completed, and your tenant keeps a window to review and attach objections. Either way, you have a documented baseline.
Can my tenant see everything I see?
Yes. That’s the point. Every photo, note, and deduction is visible to both sides the moment it exists. No one-sided records, and a tenant’s silence is never treated as agreement.
What if I’m already close to my deadline?
Reminders step up as the date approaches, and if you’re days away you can generate a statement from whatever you’ve documented in one click. A timely, imperfect statement beats a late, perfect one. We’ll also remind you the refund itself has to go out by the deadline.
Is this legal advice?
No. We provide general legal information with statute citations and build your workflow around your state’s deadlines and documentation rules. For advice about your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney.
How much does it cost?
Free for your first two units, full features, no card required. $4 per unit per month after that. Always free for tenants.
Your next move-out has a deadline.
Start the baseline now. It’s free. We document deposit decisions. We never touch the money.
free for 1 to 2 units · $4/unit/month after · no card to start
Already convinced? Start free
© 2026 Before You Go · general legal information, not legal advice