Property Inventory Report
The initial Property Inventory Report is the most important part of the entire Inventory process. The Inventory “Make” is where the inventory clerk visits a property for the first time and compiles an in-depth, detailed record of the condition of the property, the permanent fittings and fixtures (such as windows, doors, and light switches) and all contents of the property are recorded, photographed using a high quality digital camera, and the condition of all items inspected and recorded with precise detail to include any existing stains, marks, scratches and or other types of damage. Again, clear photographs are taken in order to support the written documentation.
It is this document that will act as the defence of a landlord in the case of any dispute and it is the same document that the tenant will refer to in their defence. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the Inventory has been completed by an independent and impartial professional. This is where Ashworth Group come in and we have a long standing reputation for delivering reliable and completely impartial Inventory Reports in London over the last 12 years.
Once completed, this inventory report is used for a new tenant Check-In to the property in question. At this stage, the tenant should also be diligent and take time to do a walk-through of the property in order to ensure that he or she agrees with the original inventory. Once this has been done, both the tenant and landlord (or agent employed to represent the landlord) must sign the inventory, verifying that they are both happy with the information contained within the document and this becomes a legally binding agreement.
Upon completion of the tenancy period, or where a tenant has vacated the property prematurely, the Check-Out Report is carried out to assess any possible damage, missing items or excessive wear and tear. This is usually to protect the landlord or property owner against any losses and is required where a tenant has paid a deposit prior to entering into the tenancy agreement.
In most cases, where there is a dispute over the condition of the property or its contents, a property inventory report is the fastest and easiest way to resolve the dispute fairly. Where there are verifiable damages, missing items or excessive wear for the period of the tenancy, the landlord may seek to withhold some or all of the deposit in order to make these good. Without a solid and reliable inventory process in place, that landlord is unlikely to be legally entitled to do this.
AIIC On Digital Evidence In Inventory Reports
28 MarchExcellent write up from the AIIC on the topic of photo evidence on Inventory Reports. →
Why Do I Need An Inventory Report?
18 FebruaryRenting property can be a tricky business, for both landlords and tenants. A marked wall, maybe a broken window or ripped carpet can cost the tenant a hefty deposit.