Help CentreWHAT IS AN INVENTORY?
At the start of a tenancy the landlord or letting agency should provide an inventory list to record the condition of the property. An inventory helps prove the state of the property when you moved in and can help avoid disputes over the return of your deposit when you move out.
WHAT SHOULD YOU CHECK FOR?
It should provide an overview of the whole property, a list of its contents and more importantly detailed information about the condition of
- the walls, ceiling and floor
- the paintwork
- carpets and curtains
- any furniture and appliances
- fittings such as cupboards
- windows and doors
- whether smoke alarms and any carbon monoxide detectors are provided and working.
- Record of meter readings (Electricity, gas and/or water)
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF THE INVENTORY IS INCORRECT?
STEP ONE – RECORD IT!
You can amend the inventory to record anything that's incorrect. For example:
- add details of anything that's missing
- note damage that's not been recorded
- write down if something's not working
- amend incorrect meter readings
Take timestamped photos of any cracks, marks or scratches that aren’t recorded in the inventory. This can be used as evidence to support your case
STEP TWO – REPORT IT!
Contact your Landlord/Letting agency with a copy of the inventory and details of what is incorrect. Include your timestamped photos as evidence to support all areas of concern. The sooner you do this the better. It is important to report any concerns you have from the start of your tenancy to ensure you aren’t charged through your deposit at the end of your tenancy. Students have told us in the past the landlord has tried to take some of their deposit for damage that was already in the property before they move in. If you have photograph evidence and evidence you have reported these concerns to the landlord/letting agency this may support a case with a tenancy deposit scheme at the end of your tenancy.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF AN INVENTORY ISN’T PROVIDED?
You can ask your landlord if they can provide one. If they are unable to provide one, we have created a template which you can use. Ask your landlord if you could check this list together and both sign this at the end. If your landlord refuses to check with you, do this on your own and send this to them immediately. Don’t forget to take timestamped photos throughout as evidence and include this when you contact your landlord. Keep evidence you have sent this to your landlord. You can find our template here.