What is an Inventory Report?
An inventory report is essential for recording the contents and condition of a rental property at the beginning of a tenancy. This detailed document helps landlords, agents, and tenants clearly understand their responsibilities for maintaining the property.
To ensure a successful tenancy, landlords need more than just a tenancy agreement, references, and deposit protection. Documents like inventories and subsequent reports play a crucial role. Although often considered just another piece of paperwork, an inventory can significantly impact the protection of a tenant’s deposit or save a landlord from additional costs if issues arise after check-out.
A thorough and accurate inventory can prevent disputes by providing clarity for both parties. The TDS, My Deposit, and DPS recommend a comprehensive inventory at the start of every tenancy. The inventory should detail the property’s condition at check-in, offering a clear comparison for its return at the end of the tenancy. Furthermore, the inventory should clearly define terms for reporting the condition or cleanliness of items, ensuring it is understandable to a third party and defensible if reviewed by an adjudicator or court.
What We Do
We professionally compile inventory reports in accordance with recognised industry standards and tailor them to your requirements upon request.
Our inventory reports include:
– Detailed written descriptions and digital colour photography and/or video footage for clarity and easy future referencing.
– A full inventory inspection that itemises the fixtures, fittings, contents, and condition of the property, including furniture and furnishings where applicable.
At Check-In, we can arrange to meet your tenant at the rental property on or before the start of their tenancy. First, we will go through the inventory report with them and obtain their signature. We will also take meter readings and agree them with your tenant. Additionally, if needed, we can list and hand over the property’s keys.
To ensure a smooth tenancy, effective communication and prompt resolution of property issues are crucial. Therefore, our Interim Reports service benefits both landlords and tenants by detailing any changes in the condition of the property’s fixtures and fittings at appropriate intervals. This helps landlords address potential damages early on, such as faulty equipment or mistreatment of furniture, preventing costly problems later.
At Check-Out, we inspect the rental property at the end of the tenancy, either with or without the tenant present. We note any differences between the current condition of the property and the initial inventory report. The Check-Out Report includes specific details about the property’s general condition and cleanliness, and notes any items that are broken, damaged, or missing. We will also take meter readings and can accept the return of the property’s keys. The Check-Out Report is sent to the agent/landlord within 48 hours via email.