Inventories

If you are letting out a residential property, the importance of an inventory cannot be underestimated. If you should need to dispute a deposit at the end of a tenancy, one of the most important pieces of evidence will be the inventory. As such, the more robust and well written the inventory is, the easier it will be to substantiate your claim. The inventory should be signed by both the landlord and the tenant at the beginning of the tenancy as proof that you have agreed the condition of the property.

Can I do my own inventory?
You are allowed to create your own inventory to document the condition of the fixtures and fittings of the property and record any items to be included in the rent. However, should you have to dispute a deposit at the end of the tenancy, a much greater weight of evidence will be put on an inventory that has been done by a qualified, independent professional inventory company. If you have done your own inventory you should follow these tips;

·         Sign and date every page, ensure your tenants do the same.

·         If amendments are made on the inventory, an adjudicator will want to know, by whom the change was made, when it was made and if it was agreed. Therefore, if you are to make an amendment, both the landlord and tenant should sign and initial next to the amendment as well as putting the date. All hand written notes must be legible

·         Short hand is not recommended, if you do use short hand you should also provide a key code at the beginning of the inventory.

·         If standard descriptions and grades are used, such as “good” “fair” and “OK” then these must also be clearly explained. They should also be consistent and concise. If an items condition is not noted, it will be presumed to be in good condition.