What Use is an Inventory?

An inventory is essential to assess the condition of a property at the start and end of a tenancy. Recent legislation has affected check-out fees and charges, but deposits are still allowed for damages, provided clear evidence is available.

The Importance of Clear Evidence

The Association for Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) notes that assessing fair wear and tear is often misunderstood, leading to disputes. Damage, cleaning, and redecoration are common causes of disagreements between landlords and tenants, with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme confirming that over 60% of disputes involve cleaning costs.

Why Do We Need to Benchmark at the Start?

It’s crucial to establish a benchmark at the beginning of a tenancy to record the cleanliness and condition of the property and its fixtures. This includes creating a detailed inventory that must be confirmed and signed by the tenant within seven days of the tenancy start date.

Repeat the Process at the End of the Tenancy

To avoid disputes, the initial inventory must be compared with the condition of the property when the tenancy ends. This ensures there is a clear record of any damage or necessary cleaning.

Ringley’s Quick Inventory App

At Ringley, we’ve designed the Quick Inventory app to make the process easier for both landlords and tenants. It’s available for download from the app store and simplifies inventory management, making it easy to document property conditions.

Partnering with Evolve for Professional Inventories

For those who prefer professional services, we’ve partnered with Evolve, a reputable organisation that can carry out inventories on your behalf. Visit www.evolvepartnership.co.uk to learn more. Including both written lists and photographic evidence can help resolve disputes at the end of the tenancy.