Inventory Checks and Regular Inspections - Why they are important ?

Inventory Checks and Regular Inspections - Why they are important ?

When you’ve rented out your property you should make sure that you or your agent have completed an inventory.

This is a detailed report outlining the contents of the property including furniture, fixtures and fittings, kitchenware etc and should also include the condition of the item.

A run through of each room with the condition noted, including any details of marks, chips, peeling wallpaper, stains or damage should have also been completed.

It is recommended that a landlord carry out these checks when they have a new tenant moving in so that it will give the tenant a true and accurate account of what contents are in the property and what condition the property is in.

The inventory - including any images taken - should be signed off by both parties and acts as protection should a dispute arise in the future.

If there are any amendments to the initial inventory during the tenancy agreement, these must be noted and also signed off by both parties.

You may think that this is over the top and not something that you need to carry out but as a landlord but it gives you proof of what condition things are in should the tenant decide to move out.

As a landlord it’s also imperative that you or your agent carry out routine inspections of the property at pre-agreed times and dates to suit both you and your tenant.

Regular inspections will give peace of mind that the property is being maintained and also give your tenant the opportunity to discuss any repairs or maintenance that may need doing.

When it comes to setting a time and date for the inspection then it is advised that the tenant is in attendance during as a matter of courtesy.

Remember, good landlords mean happy tenants.

When it comes to a tenant deciding that it’s time to move on, the inventory is particularly useful.

As a landlord you can use this as a point of reference to determine if any items are missing and whether any damage has been done and you will then be eligible to reclaim these costs from the deposit.

Make sure that the final inventory and inspection is done on the day that the tenant is due to move out and make sure that you again, invite them to join you as you walk through the house.

It is also a good idea to allow them to remove their personal belongings before undertaking the final inspection so that you can thoroughly look at everything and minimise a dispute at a later date.

It’s important to be realistic when doing your final check and in the case of any missing items make sure that the tenant hasn’t replaced them as accidents do happen. However, by keeping up to date with what’s happening in your own property, you should find that you don’t have any issues.

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