| Why have Inventories? |
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Why is an inventory needed? A professionally drawn up inventory and schedule of condition will protect you from any unwarranted disputes by the tenant at the end of the tenancy. If there is an insufficient, outdated or even worse, no inventory then you will have no evidence of what the property was like at the start of the tenancy. This means that if you or the agent are unable to provide documentary evidence that the tenant caused damage, then you will not be in a strong position to make a claim, in the event the tenant contests the matter.
It is considered that the landlord is likely to be more biased when drafting an inventory on their own property. Again clarity would be key to this exercise. It is important that the tenant has fair opportunity to make relevant response to the condition of items at both the start and finish of the tenancy and that every effort is made to reach agreement between the parties and thus the clarity of the document
Is it a legal requirement to have an inventory? No. However the landlord will be unable to prove damage to a property without an inventory if the matter was disputed. Cases are now being processed where the landlord is failing to get any compensation where the evidence is insufficient.
Why not save money and do it yourself? Compiling an inventory and schedule of condition is a skill and should be carried out by someone qualified to do so. The inventory is an important document and one that may need to be relied upon as evidence in the event of a dispute and may be liable to the scutiny of a Court of Law. The inventory is not just a list of items placed in or on the premises, a proper inventory will include a schedule of condition of the property itself as well as the fixtures, fittings and contents. A professionally qualified inventory provider is also likely to be deemed to be impartial and will note the property in the condition in which it is found both at the start and end of the tenancy.
How are inventories drawn up by the landlord considered? It is considered that the landlord is likely to be more biased when drafting an inventory on their own property. Again clarity would be key to this exercise. It is important that the tenant has fair opportunity to make relevant response to the condition of items at both the start and finish of the tenancy and that every effort is made to reach agreement between the parties and thus the clarity of the document.
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