Why bother with an inventory?

This was a comment spotted online beneath an article discussing the importance of inventories to landlords and letting agents. It’s a fair question. Unless your tenancy began before 1 June, check-out fees and charges for services such as a professional clean at the end of your tenancy are now banned unless there are good reasons for them.

The Importance of Clear Documentation at the Start of the Tenancy

However, deposits have been capped, not outlawed altogether, and landlords are still entitled to deduct money at the end of a tenancy if damage has been done. But robust evidence is needed. The Association for Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) says, “assessing what constitutes fair wear and tear to a rental home is among the least understood areas of the lettings process, and one which can create much ambiguity and cause the most disputes when a tenancy ends.”

Understanding Fair Wear and Tear in Tenancy Agreements

Alleged property damage, cleaning, and redecoration are among the most common reasons for a dispute between landlords and tenants, the AIIC says. And the Tenancy Deposit Scheme confirms that more than 60% of TDS disputes involve cleaning.

Cleaning Disputes: The Common Trigger for TDS Disputes

So setting a benchmark for cleanliness and the condition of the property and its fixtures and fittings is crucial. That means providing a detailed and accurate inventory. At the start of the tenancy, the tenant should check and sign it off – ideally, says the AIIC, within seven days. This should be done again when the tenancy ends

Why It’s Essential for Tenants to Confirm the Inventory Early On

To make this easy for our clients and their tenants, at Ringley, we have our own app called Quick Inventory. You can just download it via the app store – it's as easy as that!

Introducing Quick Inventory: A Simple Solution for Landlords and Tenants

And if you would prefer a third party to provide an inventory for you, we have partnered with Evolve, who will do it on your behalf. Go to www.evolvepartnership.co.uk to find out more. An inventory should include written notes and photographic evidence, as well as details of the contents. If the tenancy ends in a dispute, evidence provided by both the landlord and the tenant will be needed to resolve the problem.

How Third-Party Services Can Simplify the Inventory Process

So don’t get caught out – download our app today!