diff --git a/lmn-client.yml b/lmn-client.yml
index 037a403..96c6b32 100644
--- a/lmn-client.yml
+++ b/lmn-client.yml
@@ -254,6 +254,18 @@
         - /etc/sudoers.d/90-lmn-link-images
         - /etc/rsync.secret
 
+    - name: check if vm_usage_information.txt exists
+      stat: path=/lmn/vm/vm_usage_information.txt
+      register: vm_usage_information
+
+    - name: pre-fill vm_usage_information.txt
+      shell:
+        cmd: |
+          ls -tr *.qcow2 > vm_usage_information.txt || touchvm_usage_information.txt
+          chown lmnsynci:lmnsynci vm_usage_information.txt
+        chdir: /lmn/vm/
+      when: not vm_usage_information.stat.exists
+
 ## bookworm fixes/hacks:
     - name: Work around sddm hang on shutdown
       ansible.builtin.lineinfile: