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Inventories are they really necessary?

It is a question often raised by many landlords, and the simple answer is that they are vital if you need to make a claim for dilapidations to your property.

If there is an inventory lacking in detail, outdated or even worse no inventory exists at all, then you will have no evidence of what the property was like at the start of the tenancy. This means that if you or your agent are unable to provide documentary evidence that the tenant caused damage, then you will not be in a strong position to make a claim, in the event the tenant contests the check out findings.

Contrary to many landlords beliefs, an Inventory is not just a list of what items are staying at the property. It is a highly detailed report of the condition of the property and cleanliness, often supported with photographic evidence at the start of a tenancy.

The inventory is not there to catch tenants out, but rather to ensure peace of mind for both tenant and landlord; to enable agreement as to the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy.

Ian Potter, Operations Manager of ARLA, said “Deposit disputes can be one of the biggest problems for both parties involved in any rental property, and many potential issues can be avoided if a professional inventory is prepared.

“If conducted correctly, and agreed by both tenant and landlord, an inventory should form a key point of reference for any deposit-return queries or issues over-reported damage. In recognition of the importance of inventories ARLA has its own subdivision, the Association of Professional Inventory Providers, whose members have passed an accreditation exam as well as having a Code of Practice to follow.”

At Inspire Estate Agents we realise the importance of maintaining your asset and we feel an inventory and schedule of condition is vital to help us achieve this. All Landlords can rest assured that our inventories are compiled by a member of the “Association of Professional Inventory Providers”, ensuring less chance of disputes at the end of a tenancy.