Why Have An Inventory
Why Have An Inventory
Do I Need An Inventory
(Yes) is the short answer
Case studies prove that a Landlord or Letting Agent who has not made a proper Inventory, Check-In and Check-Out can be asking for trouble in the event of any Dispute arising, download the case studies here .
A random selection from the first 100 disputes adjudicated by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme for Regulated Agents clearly shows the need for independent adjudication and proper inventory and condition reports. These are the tools that remove the mountains from the molehills of deposit disputes.
Independent adjudication takes the heat out of disputes that can be over very small amounts. Adjudication also dramatically underlines the advantage of proper inventories that have been checked at both the beginning and end of every tenancy, especially where larger sums of money may be involved.
How Can An Inventory Save Me Money?
As a thorough documentation of the interiors, content and condition of the property at the start of the tenancy, agreed between landlord and tenant, it will help to ensure that there is no costly dispute at the end of tenancy.
Unfortunately it is usually when the tenant checks out of the property that the prudence of having a thorough and professional inventory at the start of the tenancy shows it full worth.
Case Study:
A landlord prepared his own inventory at the start of the tenancy and did his own check out at the end of the tenancy. Only at the next check-in did the landlord realise that he was unable to claim for damages he felt were made by the previous tenant. Our clerk found:
• A chip in the bath and the side of the basin
• Several deep scratches in the kitchen worktop
• 2 chips to the hob enamel
• 2 broken blinds both stained
• 1 chip and several scratches and stains to the chimney marble
• 2 bed mattresses heavily stained in the centre which the landlord claimed were new at the start of the tenancy
• 2 sets of curtains in need of dry cleaning
• 2 sets of window keys missing
• Several deep scratches in the kitchen worktop
• 2 chips to the hob enamel
• 2 broken blinds both stained
• 1 chip and several scratches and stains to the chimney marble
• 2 bed mattresses heavily stained in the centre which the landlord claimed were new at the start of the tenancy
• 2 sets of curtains in need of dry cleaning
• 2 sets of window keys missing
Total cost to the landlord approximately £900.
Had the landlord noted the items and the condition in his inventory and noted the condition at check out it would have been easy to prove the tenant's responsibility.
However as things stood he had no proof of condition at agreed between him and the tenant at the start; neither did he agree the condition at the end with the tenant – so he was unable to claim back any of the deposit.
Many people think an inventory simply lists the contents of a property. Not true. An inventory carried out by a trained clerk goes into great detail, listing interior condition and decorative order including doors, frames, windows, curtains, fixtures and fittings, carpets as well as furniture and other contents, as well as garages, sheds, and the general state of the garden.
It is important that an inventory is carried out by some one who can prove that they were totally independent. Should there be a dispute at the end of the tenancy and it had to go to court, an inventory carried out by an independent party is more likely to carry favour.
It is important that the inventory is agreed by both the landlord and the tenant at the start of tenancy. This is usually done at Check In.
Won’t It Cost Me a Fortune
On average a professional inventory will cost far less than one month's rental income and in some cases less than a week’s rental.
Prices start from as little as £70. You are welcome to contact us for a free quotation on any of our services – why not call us now on our Freephone Number: 0800 0845 106
I’ve Got My Own Digital Camera. Can’t I Do It
Unless your own digital camera is a high quality model, and each picture is heavily lit, then it won’t show up enough detail of the condition of the item or its decorative order. You will also need to prove that the pictures haven’t been tampered with and show the exact state in which the tenant took possession of the property.
A trained inventory clerk inspects ceilings, covings, walls, skirting boards, window and doorframes and flooring as well as the complete content of the room. It would take a great many pictures to cover all these things in detail.
Our clients are constantly surprised at the amount of detail included in their inventory. It is only when there is a problem that they realise why so much detail is needed. After all, it is impossible to predict what part of your property may be damaged.
