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Use case

Photos for a short-term rental host damage claim

For a short-term rental host damage claim conversation, photograph every room at check-in and again at check-out from the same angles. Keep the originals in your Archive. FactLockCam lets you use Send Proof to share a .flcproof package so a reviewer can check whether the file still matches its FactLock record.

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A match means the checked file's fingerprint matches the fingerprint in the FactLock record. It does not establish who took the photo, whether the scene is true, when or where it was captured, or that a platform will pay a claim.

  • Same angles, both dates
  • Free FactLockFile Viewer for Mac
  • FactLock record

Hosts on platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo may be asked for photos of the room when they report damage after a stay.

What photos should a host take at check-in and check-out?

Photograph each room at check-in and again at check-out from the same angles. Capture wide doorway shots, then walls, floors, fixtures, and close-ups of existing wear or new damage. Keep the original files. FactLockCam stores captures in your Archive so you can share a .flcproof package with Send Proof later. This documents condition; it does not decide a claim outcome.

  1. 01 Photograph each room at check-in: doorway wide shot, then walls, floors, fixtures, and close-ups.
  2. 02 At check-out, repeat the same angles before turnover cleaning when you can.
  3. 03 Keep both sets of photos in your Archive.
  4. 04 Use Send Proof to share a .flcproof package together with its unlock key.
  5. 05 The recipient checks whether the shared file still matches its FactLock record.

Room-by-room checklist for a stay turnover

Walk the listing the way a guest sees it. Cover every listed space at check-in and again at check-out.

  • Entry / hallway

    Door, locks, frames, walls, floors, smoke detectors

  • Living areas

    Each wall, floor, ceiling, windows, furniture, and outlets

  • Kitchen

    Cabinets in/out, counters, sink, appliances open, under-sink

  • Bedrooms

    Closets, walls, floors, windows, bedding condition

  • Bathrooms

    Vanity, toilet base, tub/shower caulk, fan, floor

  • Outdoor / garage

    If listed: patio, grill, parking, storage

  • Serials & wear

    Serials on TVs/appliances; close-ups of existing wear

Doorway wide shot, then each wall, then close-ups. Match angles on both dates.

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How do I keep check-in and check-out photos comparable?

Use the same doorway and wall angles on both dates. Shoot before the guest arrives and again after checkout, before turnover cleaning when possible. When you share, a short note like "Unit kitchen, check-out" helps the recipient.

How do I share host damage photos so someone else can check them?

Keep captures in your Archive, then use Send Proof. The recipient can check that proof free, online, at Open Proof. For larger files, use the Free Mac Proof Utility (the Free FactLockFile Viewer for Mac). A match checks the file fingerprint only—not claim payment or what the room physically showed.

Send Proof shares the original as one package. The recipient can check that proof free, online, at Open Proof. For larger files, use the Free Mac Proof Utility (the Free FactLockFile Viewer for Mac). Change the file. The match breaks.

Check the proof free online at Open Proof. For larger files, use the Free Mac Proof Utility (the Free FactLockFile Viewer for Mac). To create FactLocks, use FactLockCam on your phone or FactLockFile on your Mac.

Will these photos get a damage claim paid?

No. No app can promise that a platform, insurer, or guest dispute will go your way. Photos help document condition. Claim decisions belong to the platform's process and your policy or host terms. FactLockCam lets a recipient check whether a shared file still matches its FactLock record.

General information, not legal or insurance advice.

FAQ

What photos should a short-term rental host take for a damage claim conversation?

Photograph each room at check-in and again at check-out from the same angles. Capture wide doorway shots, then walls, floors, fixtures, and close-ups of existing wear or new damage. Keep the original files. FactLockCam stores captures in your Archive so you can share a .flcproof package with Send Proof later. This documents condition; it does not decide a claim outcome.

How do I keep check-in and check-out photos comparable?

Use the same doorway and wall angles on both dates. Shoot before the guest arrives and again after checkout, before turnover cleaning when possible. When you share, a short note like "Unit kitchen, check-out" helps the recipient.

How do I share host damage photos so someone else can check them?

Keep captures in your Archive, then use Send Proof. The recipient can check that proof free, online, at Open Proof. For larger files, use the Free Mac Proof Utility (the Free FactLockFile Viewer for Mac). A match checks the file fingerprint only—not claim payment or what the room physically showed.

Do these photos guarantee a platform damage claim will be paid?

No. No app can promise that a platform, insurer, or guest dispute will go your way. Photos help document condition. Claim decisions belong to the platform's process and your policy or host terms. FactLockCam lets a recipient check whether a shared file still matches its FactLock record. General information, not legal or insurance advice.

Can ordinary photo timestamps or screenshots replace check-in photos?

Ordinary timestamps and location tags can be changed or stripped. Screenshots of listings or messages are a different kind of record from photos of the physical room. FactLockCam is for capturing the room in-app and keeping a checkable FactLock record of the file—not for promising capture time or scene truth.

Next step

Check-in photos. Check-out photos. Same angles.

Tamper-evident Archive · signed record · file check for recipients.

Get FactLockCam

Just one stay or one claim? Get the Incident Pack: 10 FactLocks (shown as “seals” in the app) for $9.99, one time, no subscription. Buy it in the FactLockCam app.

Unused Incident Pack FactLocks don't expire. They stay on your FactLockCam account until you use them. If Apple or Google refunds the pack, or you delete your account, any unused FactLocks are removed.

Works with or without a subscription.

Try it first: sign in and get 5 FactLocks at no cost, enough to try it on your next check-in. No purchase needed.

One claim? 10 FactLocks for $9.99, no subscription.

Plan details and pack options are on the pricing page.