An inventory is a true representation of your property taken before the start of any tenancy. In order to ensure the property is returned to you in the best possible condition, it is essential that a detailed list of the contents, fittings and fixtures of a property is taken prior to a tenant moving in. All rooms are described with great attention to detail from floor to ceiling with photo evidence. Deposit schemes prefer and favour inventories carried out by a third party, independent inventory specialist as otherwise it can be considered bias and therefore cannot be relied upon.

When a tenant is ready to occupy the property, a Check-in should be carried out. We meet the tenant on the day that they are moving into the property and walk through the property and the inventory report which was produced prior to check in with the tenant to make sure they are at agreement of the condition and contents of the property. We agree and make any additional comments to the inventory together where necessary. The tenant(s) will then sign the report to confirm its accuracy in front of our clerk. This is conducted to avoid disputes at the end of the tenancy, as the tenant should be fully aware of the condition of the property when he/she begins their tenancy and so should return the property to a similar state at the end of their tenancy. We will also re-record the meter readings so that the readings are accurate to the tenant’s use.

A check out report is conducted at the end of the tenancy, upon the tenant vacating the property. The inventory created at the start of the tenancy is used to compare the condition of the property. We will make a detailed report which will detail any differences to the condition of the property and indicate whether the differences need to be rectified, are a result of ‘fair wear and tear’, need to be “cleaned” or are a result of “maintenance issues”. When the tenant is present for the check out, we will highlight any areas that may affect the return of their deposit. We will take a forwarding address, record final meter readings where possible, take the keys and return them to where instructed. And, of course, we make sure the property is secure before we leave.

An interim inspection is usually carried out on a quarterly basis and used to inform the landlord and/or managing agent the general condition of the property. The Inventory Clerk will check for any potential issues or alleviate any concerns with either party. This also helps bring peace of mind to our landlords, so they are aware that there property is being well looked after. We will look for areas that could be a cause for concern, such as mould or mildew, leaks, obvious tenant damages, pets being kept, or smoking in the property. We will also ask tenants if they are aware of any maintenance issues that may not be immediately obvious, such as heating not working, issues with appliances owned by property etc.

We fully understand that it may not always be possible to meet us at the property due to other commitments and busy periods. We can collect keys from Letting Agent offices or Private Landlord if required, complete the inspection and return them when finished.