Photos are the first thing tenants see, and listings with clear, well-lit photos can receive more booking requests. Because tenants book remotely, your photos are their guide to what the property looks like — and once a booking is confirmed (you accepted and the tenant’s payment went through), the property, its condition and its facilities must not be materially different from what your listing shows. If they are, the tenant can complain within 24 hours of the move-in date and may be entitled to a full refund.
Why photos matter for booking decisions
International students searching for accommodation on Uniplaces are making decisions remotely — they usually cannot visit the property before booking. Your photos are the closest thing to a visit they get. A listing with dark, blurry or missing photos is easy to skip, however well priced or well located it is.
Tenants comparing listings in cities like Lisbon, Madrid or Berlin typically have many options at similar price points. Photos that give an honest, attractive picture of the property can make the difference between a request and a scroll past.
Photos are a guide — the listing must still be accurate
Photos and videos on Uniplaces are a guide for tenants of what the property may look like, not an exact representation. But the binding standard is accuracy: once you accept a booking request and the tenant pays, you are bound to provide the property with details, condition and facilities that are not materially different from your listing.
If the property is materially different on arrival, the tenant can complain to Uniplaces within 24 hours of the move-in date. Uniplaces holds the first rental payment while it reviews the case, and the tenant may cancel and be entitled to a full refund. A tenant complaint about the condition of the property within 24 hours of move-in also removes your Uniplaces Rent Guarantee cover (landlord-side cover for rent lost if the tenant leaves early) for that booking. Honest photos protect you as much as the tenant.
How many photos should you have?
Uniplaces requires a minimum of 5 photos, and more is better. Aim for at least one photo of every room a tenant will use — bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living area and any outdoor space. Listings with 10 or more photos can perform better than those with fewer.
More photos also reduce problems at move-in. When tenants can see what to expect, there are fewer surprises on arrival — and fewer complaints in the 24-hour window after the move-in date.
What to photograph — room by room
- Bedroom — bed made and tidy, show the window and natural light, include the wardrobe and desk if present
- Bathroom — clean, toilet lid closed, include any storage. If it is a private bathroom, make this clear — tenants filter for Private bathroom.
- Kitchen — worktops clear, appliances visible, show the hob, fridge and any storage space
- Living area — if shared, show the sofa, TV and any communal space
- Hallway and entrance — gives context for the overall property size and condition
- Outdoor space — any balcony, terrace or garden is a selling point; photograph it
- Building exterior — a photo of the front of the building or street helps tenants feel orientated
Lighting and angles — practical tips
Natural light makes the biggest difference. Photograph during the day with curtains and blinds fully open. Turn on all artificial lights too — layering natural and artificial light makes rooms feel warm and inviting rather than clinical.
- Shoot from corners of the room, not the doorway — corner shots make spaces look bigger
- Hold the camera at chest height, not eye level — lower angles make ceilings appear higher
- Keep the camera level — tilted horizons look unprofessional and distracting
- Remove clutter before shooting — a tidy room photographs far better
- Avoid shooting directly into windows — the room will appear dark and the window will be blown out
Whatever the technique, the photo must still show the room as it is. Do not stage furniture or items that will not be there when the tenant moves in.
Professional photography — when it’s worth it
If your listing is in a high-demand city and priced above the average for your area, professional photography can be worth the cost. A photographer with interior experience can typically shoot an entire apartment in 1–2 hours and will handle lighting, angles and editing. For landlords with multiple listings, the investment can go further.
When to review your photos
If your listing has been live for more than two weeks with few requests, the photos are a good first thing to review. Update them and monitor the change in interest before adjusting the price or other details. Photo changes go live within minutes; significant changes to your listing (such as price updates or major description edits) may be reviewed before they go live.
When to contact Uniplaces support
- Your photos will not upload or do not appear on the live listing after 30 minutes
Frequently asked questions
What file formats and sizes are accepted for photos?
Uniplaces accepts JPG and PNG formats. Photos should be at least 1024px wide for good display quality. There is a maximum file size per photo — if your file is too large, compress it slightly before uploading without reducing the resolution significantly.
Can I use photos taken on a smartphone?
Yes — modern smartphones produce excellent photos if used correctly. Use the guidelines above: shoot in daylight, from corners, with the camera level. Avoid using portrait mode for interiors as it can blur backgrounds in ways that look unnatural.
How do I update my photos if I’ve already published my listing?
Go to your Personal Dashboard, select your listing, click Edit, and navigate to the Photos section. You can add, remove or reorder photos at any time. Changes typically go live within minutes. See How to Edit the Photos on Your Listing.
Should photos show the property exactly as it will be when the tenant arrives?
In everything that matters, yes. Photos are a guide rather than an exact representation, so small differences are fine — but the property, its condition and its facilities must not be materially different from your listing. Photos that show furniture, amenities or conditions that will not be present when the tenant moves in can lead to a complaint within 24 hours of the move-in date, a full refund to the tenant, and the loss of your Rent Guarantee cover for that booking. Show the property as it is and will be.
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