Timestamped photos: A Simple Guide

Timestamped Photos Requirement

A new standard for professional documentation on all jobs

New Photo Documentation Standard

At Cleanifiq, we're always looking for ways to support our providers and strengthen professional standards across our platform. As part of our ongoing commitment to protecting everyone we work with, we're introducing a new requirement: all Before and After photos taken during jobs must now include a visible timestamp showing the accurate date and time.

This guide explains why we're making this change, how it protects you as a provider, and exactly how to set up timestamps on your device.

Quick Navigation

1 Why Timestamps Matter

2 How This Protects You

3 Matching Angles Guide

4 Key Areas to Document

5 Device Setup Instructions

6 Photo Checklist

🎯 Why Timestamps Matter

Supporting dispute resolution with verifiable evidence

Our letting agency partners frequently rely on photographic evidence when handling disputes between landlords and tenants. Whether it's a question about the condition of a property at check-out or a disagreement about the standard of work completed, timestamped photos provide clear, indisputable proof of when the work was carried out and exactly what the property looked like at that moment.

❌

Without Timestamps

✗ Photos can be challenged or dismissed during disputes
✗ No verifiable proof of when work was completed
✗ Letting agencies struggle to defend service quality
✗ Dispute resolution becomes significantly harder
✗ Your professionalism may be questioned unfairly

✅

With Timestamps

✓ Rock-solid evidence supporting your professionalism
✓ Clear proof of exact date and time of completion
✓ Letting agencies can confidently resolve disputes
✓ Your quality of work can be verified and defended
✓ Faster dispute resolution for all parties

🛡️ How This Protects You

Your professional insurance on every job

This requirement isn't just about helping letting agencies—it's about protecting you as a provider. Timestamped photos serve as your professional insurance policy, providing undeniable proof of your work quality and completion time.

Your Digital Signature on Every Job

Think of timestamped photos as your professional proof:

✓ Evidence you were there – Verifiable date and time of your presence
✓ Evidence of initial condition – How the property looked when you arrived
✓ Evidence of your standard – The exceptional quality you left behind

If a client ever questions when work was completed or disputes the quality you delivered, you'll have dated, time-stamped evidence that speaks for itself.

📐 The Importance of Matching Angles

Making your Before and After photos comparison-ready

Taking timestamped photos is only part of the equation. For your Before and After photos to be truly effective as evidence, they must be taken from the same angle and position. This allows the images to be placed side-by-side for direct comparison, making the difference in your work immediately visible.

BEFORE

🏚️

Same angle & position

➡️

AFTER

✨🏠✨

Same angle & position

📸

Best Practice for Photo Matching

✓ Stand in the exact same position for both Before and After shots
✓ Keep the same distance from the subject
✓ Maintain the same camera height and angle
✓ Include the same elements in the frame for easy comparison
✓ Ensure consistent lighting where possible

💡

Pro Tip: Mental Notes

When taking your Before photos, make a mental note of where you're standing. Use reference points like furniture corners, doorways, or flooring patterns to help you return to the exact same spot for your After photos.

🔍 Key Areas Requiring Documentation

Priority zones for detailed photographic evidence

While we recommend photographing all areas you work on, certain spaces are particularly important for evidence purposes. These areas are frequently the subject of disputes and require detailed visual documentation with matching Before and After angles.

🍳

Kitchen Appliances

Oven interior and exterior, hob surfaces, extractor fans, fridge/freezer interior, microwave, washing machine

🚿

Bathroom Close-ups

Tiles and grout lines, shower screens, toilet bowl and exterior, sink and taps, mirrors, extractor vents

🗄️

Cupboards & Storage

Inside of all cupboards, shelving surfaces, wardrobe interiors, under-sink areas, pantry shelves

📏

Skirting Boards

Close-up shots showing dust removal, corner areas, behind furniture edges, door frame bases

🪟

Windows & Frames

Window glass interior and exterior, window sills, window frames, corner edges, handles and locks

📷

Detail Shots Matter

For areas like skirting boards, inside cupboards, and bathroom tiles, get close enough to show the actual condition clearly. Wide-angle shots are useful for overall room views, but close-up detail shots are what prove the quality of your work in disputed areas.

📱 How to Enable Timestamps

Simple one-time setup for your phone

Before your next job, please enable the timestamp feature on your phone's camera. This is a simple one-time setting change that will automatically add the date and time to every photo you take.

🍎

For iPhone Users

The iPhone camera doesn't display timestamps directly on photos, but you can add this feature with a free app:

Download "Timestamp Camera" or "DateStamper" from the App Store
Open the app and grant camera permissions when prompted
Use this app instead of your regular camera when taking job photos
The timestamp will appear automatically on every photo

Recommended apps: Timestamp Camera Basic (free), DateStamper (free)

🤖

For Android Users

Many Android phones have a built-in timestamp option:

Open your Camera app
Tap on Settings (usually a gear icon)
Look for "Watermark", "Time stamp", or "Date stamp"
Enable this feature

Don't have built-in timestamps? Download "Timestamp Camera Free" from the Google Play Store.

Important Reminders

⚠ Ensure your phone's date and time are set correctly (use automatic time setting)
⚠ Test the timestamp feature before arriving at a job
⚠ Make sure the timestamp is clearly visible and not cropped out of the image
⚠ Check that photos are saving correctly to your device

✅ Your Photo Documentation Checklist

Follow this for every job

Use this simple checklist for every job to ensure you have comprehensive, professional documentation that protects you and supports dispute resolution.

Enable Timestamps

Ensure your timestamp camera app or setting is active before arriving at the property

Take BEFORE Photos Immediately

Document the current state of each area as soon as you arrive, before any work begins

Focus on Key Areas

Pay special attention to kitchen appliances, bathroom close-ups, cupboards, shelves, and skirting boards

Note Your Positions

Remember where you stood for Before photos so you can match the angle exactly for After shots

Take AFTER Photos Upon Completion

Capture the same areas from the same angles once your work is finished

Review Your Photos

Before leaving, check that timestamps are visible and Before/After angles match properly

Remember: Quality Can Be Proven

Timestamped Before and After photos taken from matching angles are your ultimate professional protection. They demonstrate your commitment to quality, help letting agencies resolve disputes quickly, and ensure your excellent work can always be verified and defended.

Need help setting up timestamps on your device?

0141 488 0088

Platform support available for all providers

Last updated on Dec. 23, 2025, 12:01 p.m. by Zee