There are many documents which require the close attention of landlords to ensure that they and their tenants are protected. Each of these is critical to the letting process in its own way, but one of the most important for the landlord’s protection is the inventory.
This is particularly the case for furnished or part-furnished properties being let. The inventory details the exact contents of a property. As well as serving as a form of protection, it also allows the tenant to see exactly what they are responsible for in the property.
It goes further than this, though. The inventory should also describe the positioning and condition of the items, and the condition of the interior. This should include all blemishes and damage, such as peeling or ripped wallpaper, flaking and chipped paint and scuffing to furniture.
As the inventory controls how the property should be returned at the end of the let term, it is imperative that it be drawn up properly. Being thorough when writing it is essential. It is easy to miss something which turns out to be important later on.
Because of this, many landlords find estate agents with the right experience to draw up the inventory. Alternatively, there are specialised inventory agents, though these too are often recruited through an agent.
The tenant should be given two copies of the inventory on the day they move in. Having thoroughly checked the details, the tenant should sign, date and return one copy of the inventory. The tenant should keep a copy for their own reference. The agent and the landlord should countersign the master copy.
The best estate agents will also complete an inventory check on a regular basis. In most cases, this should be once every three months. Checking how an agent handles such details is important when choosing who to work with. Having a look at independent reviews online can help.
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