- Are my photos uploaded anywhere?
- No. The entire tool runs in your browser using JavaScript. Your photos, property address, and tenant name never leave your device. The PDF is assembled locally using pdf-lib and downloaded directly to your computer or phone. This is especially important for rental inspections where photos may include your home address and personal information.
- What is the SHA-256 hash and why does it matter?
- SHA-256 is a cryptographic hashing algorithm. Each photo's raw bytes are run through it to produce a unique fixed-length fingerprint. If even one pixel in a photo is changed, the hash changes completely. The report footer prints a combined hash of all photos — you (or a court) can verify the photos in the report match the originals by re-hashing them and comparing. It does not prove when the photo was taken, but it proves the photos have not been altered since the report was generated.
- What is EXIF data and why is the shoot time important?
- EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) is metadata baked into JPEG and HEIC photos by your camera or smartphone. It typically includes the exact date and time the shutter was pressed, GPS coordinates, and camera settings. Using the EXIF timestamp as the photo's shoot time — rather than the time you added it to this tool — makes the timestamps more legally defensible. This tool reads EXIF using the exifr library entirely in the browser; no EXIF data is transmitted externally.
- How many rooms and photos can I add?
- There is no hard limit built into this tool. Practical limits depend on your device's available memory. For typical inspections (5–10 rooms, 3–6 photos each), generation takes a few seconds. Very large images are scaled down to 1200 px on the longest side before embedding in the PDF to keep file size reasonable while retaining clear detail. Original files on your device are not modified.
- Does this work on mobile (iPhone / Android)?
- Yes. The tool is mobile-responsive and works in Safari on iOS and Chrome on Android. You can take photos with your phone's camera using the file picker, add them to the report, and download the PDF without needing to transfer files to a computer first. On iOS, the PDF will open in Safari's PDF viewer and can be shared via AirDrop, email, or saved to Files.
- Is this inspection report legally valid?
- This tool generates a well-organized, timestamped photo record that is useful as supporting evidence in rental disputes, but it is not a substitute for a professionally signed inspection form required by some jurisdictions. Always check your local tenancy laws. For best results, both tenant and landlord should sign and date a printed copy of the report at the time of inspection, or sign the PDF digitally.