The importance of having an inventory
It is a very important record of your property’s condition at the start of the tenancy.
The deposit is protected
The government introduced the compulsory protection of a tenant’s deposit in April 2007. It is a legal requirement at the start of a tenancy to register the tenant’s deposit with an approved protection scheme.
A comprehensive inventory of the property’s condition and contents ensures both landlord and tenant can amicably resolve any disputes over dilapidations at the end of a tenancy.
No inventory, no claim!
Without an accurate record of the condition, it will be very difficult to claim costs from the deposit should the tenant damage your property.
We are often asked why an unfurnished property needs an inventory?
An inventory is far more than an itemised list – it provides a schedule of condition which is crucial when making allowances for fair wear and tear at the end of a tenancy.
This will include noting the condition of carpets, curtains, white goods, windows, door furniture, locks, light fittings, smoke detectors, electrical sockets, kitchen, and bathroom fittings.
Professional cleaning
You may want to consider having your property professionally cleaned before the commencement of the tenancy (i.e. before the inventory/schedule of condition is carried out).
Whilst the Tenant Fees Act prohibits a landlord from insisting the tenant pays to have the property professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy, it is the tenant’s obligation to return the property to the same standard of cleanliness.
An inventory is definitely not an unnecessary expense. If you don’t have one then why take a deposit?
Speak to a lettings expert
Give us a call and a property consultant will be more than happy to help…
