Preparing and using an inventory
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Introduction
Preparing an inventory/schedule of condition is one of the best ways that you can protect yourself as a responsible landlord. By creating an accurate record of the condition of the property at the outset of the tenancy, you can:
- show any deterioration at the end of the tenancy; and
- evidence damage to the deposit scheme if there is a dispute; and
- show the tenants what condition the property should be returned to you in.
If a dispute does occur over damage to the property, you as the claimant are responsible for proving the damage occurred. Without an accurate inventory that has been agreed by all parties it is extremely unlikely you will make a successful claim for damages.
Professional inventory services
Taking an inventory is a long job and many landlords now use professional inventory clerks to do this for them. The main advantage of this is that a professionally prepared inventory is likely to be clear, accurate and detailed enough to satisfy the deposit scheme and/or the courts should it be necessary.
When letting out your property, it is best practice to conduct a landlord inventory to avoid confusion and misunderstandings between you and your tenant about what items were in the property or the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy. The landlord inventories will make it clear from the start for all involved who is responsible for which aspects of the landlord inventory.
Our chosen partners provide you with a range of options for producing inventories for your properties.
The NRLA has produced a fully editable inventory template available to all members of the NRLA. In addition to this we provide guidance on:
- performing the inventory check
- what is fair wear and tear
- when professional cleaning can be required
- how to use the inventory to make deductions from a deposit