Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. DepositGenie requires an account to:

• Save your documentation across devices
• Track your properties and sessions
• Restore your purchases (if you get a new phone)
• Sync your data securely to the cloud

You can sign up with:

• Email and password
• Apple Sign-In (iOS)
• Google Sign-In (iOS & Android)

iOS: iPhone running iOS 16.0 or later

Android: Devices running Android 10.0 or later

The app works on both phones and tablets. For best results, use your phone's camera for documentation (tablets can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces).

Yes! You can add as many properties as you want. However, purchases are per-property.

Example: If you buy the Full-Move package for Apartment A, you'll need to purchase again for Apartment B if you move.

This is intentional — most people only need the app twice per lease (move-in and move-out). Charging per-property is cheaper than a recurring subscription.

Not yet, but it's planned! Currently, DepositGenie is single-user per property.

Workaround for now:

• One person creates the property and does the documentation
• Export the evidence package and share it with roommates via email/cloud storage
• All roommates can use the same exported PDF/ZIP in disputes

Multi-user collaboration is on our roadmap for 2025!

It's not too late! While move-in documentation is ideal, you can still:

• Document your property's current condition now (better late than never)
• Focus on move-out documentation when you leave
• Use the deadline tracker and letter generation features

Even without move-in photos, having timestamped move-out evidence is better than nothing. It proves the property's condition when you left, which can counter some landlord claims.

Pro tip: If you have old photos from your phone's camera roll, you can import them (EXIF timestamps will be preserved).

Yes! You can import photos from your phone's gallery. DepositGenie will:

• Extract EXIF metadata (original timestamp, camera info, GPS if available)
• Generate SHA-256 hashes for tamper-evidence
• Organize them into your room-by-room checklist

Limitation: Imported photos must have been taken with your phone's camera app (screenshots won't have valid EXIF data).

It depends on your tier:

• Free: 3 photos per item
• Single-Phase: 10 photos + 1 video per item
• Full-Move: 10 photos + 1 video per item
• Complete: 10 photos + 1 video per item

Example: If you have 20 items (walls, floors, appliances, etc.) in your apartment, you can take up to 200 photos total on paid tiers.

Most users average 60-100 photos for a full move-in/move-out session.

No, not for documentation! DepositGenie works offline for:

• Taking photos and videos
• Filling out checklists and notes
• Viewing your saved data
• Generating letters (once property data is entered)

You need internet for:

• Initial account setup
• Syncing data across devices
• AI dispute analysis (Complete tier)
• Downloading app updates

Photos/videos are saved locally and uploaded when you reconnect to Wi-Fi.

No. DepositGenie is a documentation and automation tool, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice.

What we do:

• Help you organize evidence
• Track state-specific statutory deadlines
• Generate template letters based on your state's laws
• Provide general educational information about tenant rights

If you need legal advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state. Contact your state bar association for a referral.

Yes, if properly authenticated. DepositGenie's evidence packages are designed to meet court standards:

• Timestamped photos: EXIF metadata proves when photos were taken
• GPS coordinates: Proves photos were taken at the property address
• SHA-256 hashes: Cryptographic proof photos weren't edited
• Chain of custody: Export logs show when/how evidence was created

In court, you'll need to:

• Testify that you took the photos yourself
• Explain what each photo shows
• Present the PDF report + hash manifest

Small Claims Courts generally accept photo evidence with proper timestamps and metadata.

That's why we use SHA-256 hashing.

When you capture a photo, DepositGenie instantly generates a cryptographic hash (a unique "fingerprint" of the file). This hash is stored in our database with a timestamp.

If someone claims the photo is edited:

• The hash proves the file hasn't been modified (any change would create a different hash)
• The timestamp proves when the original file was created
• EXIF metadata shows the camera model, GPS, and original capture time

This is the same technology used by forensic investigators and courts worldwide. It's extremely difficult to fake.

DepositGenie works in all 50 states!

Core features available everywhere:

• Photo/video documentation with SHA-256 hashing
• Room-by-room checklists
• Export packages with metadata
• State-specific deadline tracking
• Letter templates customized to your state's laws

State-specific features:

• Deadline calculations adjust automatically based on your property's state
• Letter templates cite your state's relevant statutes
• Holiday exclusions follow your state's rules

The app automatically adapts to your state when you enter your property address. Each state has different deposit return timelines (e.g., California: 21 days; Texas: 30 days; Arizona: 14 business days).

We believe you shouldn't pay monthly for something you only need twice per lease.

Comparison:

• Subscription model: $9.99/month × 24 months = $239.76 for a 2-year lease
• DepositGenie: $19.99 one-time for the same period

You save over $200, and your purchase never expires (even if you stay 5+ years).

Purchases are tied to a specific property address. If you move to a new rental, you'll need to purchase again.

Your old property data:

• Remains accessible forever (read-only)
• Can still be exported/viewed
• Useful if the old landlord disputes your deposit months later

Exception: Moving within the same building (different unit)? Contact support@depositgenie.com for a discount code.

14-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, email support@depositgenie.com within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.

After 14 days: Refunds are handled case-by-case (e.g., technical issues preventing use).

Note: We cannot refund if you've already exported your full evidence package, as the service has been delivered.

Yes! 20% off for students and active military.

Email support@depositgenie.com with:

• Students: Photo of your student ID or enrollment letter
• Military: Photo of your military ID or orders

We'll reply with a discount code you can use at checkout.

DepositGenie uses Firebase (Google's cloud platform) for secure data storage:

• Photos/videos: Encrypted in Firebase Storage with 256-bit AES encryption
• Property data: Stored in Firebase Firestore (NoSQL database)
• Backups: Automatic daily backups with geographic redundancy

Security features:

• All data is encrypted in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
• Only you can access your data (user-scoped security rules)
• SOC 2 Type II certified infrastructure

We do NOT sell or share your data with third parties.

Yes! You can export your data in two formats:

• PDF Report: Organized document with photos, timeline, evidence table
• ZIP Package: Original media files + CSV index with all metadata

Exports include:

• All photos and videos (uncompressed originals)
• Room/item labels and notes
• Timestamps, GPS coordinates, SHA-256 hashes
• Letters and delivery tracking

Once exported, you own the files forever. Store them on your computer, cloud storage, or USB drive.

All your data is permanently deleted.

Within 30 days of account deletion, we remove:

• All photos and videos from cloud storage
• Property data, checklists, and notes
• Letters and deadline tracking history
• Your user profile and contact info

Before deleting:

• Export your evidence packages (you won't be able to access them after deletion)
• This action is irreversible

You can delete your account from Settings → Account → Delete Account.

No. Never.

We do NOT:

• Sell your data to advertisers
• Share your photos/videos with anyone
• Use your data for marketing outside the app
• Track you across other websites/apps

We collect only what's necessary to run the app:

• Your email (for account login)
• Property addresses (to organize your documentation)
• Landlord info (only if you generate letters)
• Photos/videos (stored securely in your private account)

Read our full Privacy Policy for details.