June 4, 2010 by Yashi Pilgrim
Some landlords feel that the cost of instructing a professional inventory provider to compile an inventory and check-in report is not worth it and would rather draw up a list of items in the property themselves.
It is to these landlords that I urge to rethink the benefits of having a professional inventory and check-in.
Landlords should only have to pay for the cost of an inventory for each property once.
This itemises and describes in full detail the property fixtures, fittings and furnishings. Therefore, the inventory should not change much over tenancies unless of course the property goes from fully furnished to part or unfurnished from one tenancy to the next or has been refurbished/re-decorated.
Check-in reports detail the condition of the property, fixtures, fittings and furnishing on the date that the tenancy starts. Included is a schedule of condition which provides the landlord with a general overview of the condition of the property i.e. cleanliness, decorative condition etc.
An inventory and check-in report are to be used should any dispute regarding the release of
the deposit arise come the end of tenancy. It is essential that the inventory report is of good quality and that there are clear supporting photographs illustrating any listed defects or damages.
Here is a recent example of a tenancy deposit dispute that resulted in the landlord being awarded full costs of repair etc from the deposit; this will hopefully show why inventories
are so important.
A tenant moved into a brand new development and occupied the property for eight months. I compiled a professional inventory along with a check-in report at the start of the tenancy. The tenant was present and signed the check-in report.
Photographs were taken and clearly referenced throughout the report.
At the check-out, the property was found in appalling condition – the property was extremely dirty and some fixtures and fittings had been damaged beyond economical repair. Quotes were obtained and presented to the tenant who disputed the costs and denied accountability to the damage that had been caused. As a result the case was sent to The Dispute Service who received a copy of the inventory, check-in report, check-out report and all supporting photographs. After the independent adjudicator had reviewed the case, the landlord was awarded the full disputed amount to cover the cost of the repairs and cleaning.
I trust that the above example will help put any qualms regarding the necessity of a professional inventory and check-in report into disrepute.
Failing to have adequate proof of damage or neglect will result in landlords having to pay for repairs that should be covered by the tenant through their deposit.”
Neil Young – Thanks Yashi for the blog. I wanted to add that I w as talking to a landlord yesterday who used to do his own inventories. When he started using Young London and looked through an inventory Yashi compiled he decided to pay for our inventory going forward as he realised how compre
hensive they are.
