PROFESSIONAL INVENTORY SERVICES IN LONDON &
THE HOME COUNTIES
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“How can an inventory
save me money?”
“Won't it cost
me a fortune?”
“I've got my own
digital camera. Can't I do it myself?”
“How will the
new Tenancy Deposit Scheme affect me?”
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“How can an inventory save me money?” As a thorough documentation of the interiors, content and condition of the property at the start of the tenancy, agreed between landlord and tenant, it will help to ensure that there is no costly dispute at the end of tenancy. Unfortunately it is usually when the tenant checks out of the property that the prudence of having a thorough and professional inventory at the start of the tenancy shows it full worth. Case study: A landlord prepared his own inventory at the start of the tenancy and did his own check out at the end of the inventory. Only at the next check-in did the landlord realise that he was unable to claim for damages he felt were made by the previous tenant. Our clerk found: • A chip in the bath and the side of the basin Total cost to the landlord approximately £900. Had the landlord noted the items and the condition in his inventory and noted the condition at check out it would have been easy to prove the tenant's responsibility. However as things stood he had no proof of condition at agreed between him and the tenant at the start; neither did he agree the condition at the end with the tenant – so he was unable to claim back any of the deposit. Many people think an inventory simply lists the contents of a property. Not true. An inventory carried out by a trained clerk goes into great detail, listing interior condition anddecorative order including doors, frames, windows, curtains, fixtures and fittings, carpets as well as furniture and other contents, as well as garages, sheds, and the general state of the garden. It is important that an inventory is carried out by
some one who can prove that they were totally independent. Should there
be a dispute at the end of the tenancy and it had to go to court, an inventory
carried out by an independent party is more likely to carry favour. On average a professional inventory will cost far less than one month's rental income and in some cases less than a week’s rental. Prices start from as little as £60. You are welcome to contact us for a free quotation on any of our services – why not call us now on 07971 239049. “I’ve got my own digital camera. Can’t I do it?” Unless your own digital camera is a high quality model, and each picture is heavily lit, then it won’t show up enough detail of the condition of the item or its decorative order. You will also need to prove that the pictures haven’t been tampered with and show the exact state in which the tenant took possession of the property. A trained inventory clerk inspects ceilings, covings, walls, skirting boards, window and doorframes and flooring as well as the complete content of the room. It would take a great many pictures to cover all these things in detail. Our clients are constantly surprised at the amount of detail included in their inventory. It is only when there is a problem that they realise why so much detail is needed. After all, it is impossible to predict what part of your property may be damaged. 6 April 2007 sees the introduction of the mandatory Tenancy Deposit Scheme or TDP. The scheme will mean that all new Assured Shorthold Agreements will need to be a part of one of two schemes. Agreements prior to 6 April 2007 are exempt. The 2 options available to landlord will be: At the end of the tenancy, if there is no dispute the landlord must return the deposit within 10 days. If there is a dispute the landlord must return the undisputed amount. The disputed amount of the deposit will be looked at and resolved by the ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) service. The service will make its decision based on evidence. It will have the power to decide how much, if any, of the deposit can be retained by the landlord. It stands to reason that for a relatively small amount of money it is in the interest of the landlord/tenant to have a thorough and comprehensive inventory at the start and finish of a tenancy, by an independent inventory clerk. This not only records a thorough description of the contents and condition of the interior of the property but creates a clear dividing line of responsibility for any dilapidation before/after the tenancy, witnessed by someone who is totally independent and experienced. The clerk's experience and thorough inventory could help avoid a dispute in the first place. If a dispute does arise, a proper inventory will be invaluable..
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“In the past I have always
dreaded the changing of tenants. It all went so smoothly.”
“Thank you for taking the
time to sort out my tenant’s many queries, and allay their fears
too.” |
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