Which tenancy documents, receipts and photographs should I keep?

Keep receipts and payment confirmations for rent, security and booking deposits, agency commission, Ejari, utility deposits and building charges. Retain copies of rental cheques and acknowledgement of their receipt, plus records of any replacement or returned cheques. Make sure each payment can be linked to its purpose, recipient and rental period.

Save your handover report, furnished inventory and dated photographs or videos showing the property before your belongings arrive. Include existing damage, appliance condition, accessible meter readings and the keys, cards and remotes received. Keep later maintenance reports, approvals, invoices and before-and-after photographs of repairs or authorised alterations.

Retain important correspondence, including defect reports, acknowledgements, renewal discussions, notices and agreed completion dates. When leaving, add the move-out inspection, proof of key return, final utility bills, clearance records and deposit refund or deduction details.

Organise everything by property and date, with a secure backup outside your phone. Keep original files where possible and protect documents containing identity or banking information.