Renting Homes Wales: inventories

Introduction

Preparing an inventory/schedule of condition is a supplementary term under Renting Homes Wales, meaning that it must be included in the contract unless you have specifically removed it or amended it.

It is one of the best ways that you can protect yourself as a responsible landlord so we don't recommend removing it from the contract.

By creating an accurate record of the condition of the property at the outset of the contract, 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 contract-holders 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.