What is an inventory
clerk?As a landlord renting property can be a
fraught business. Seeemingly innocent wear and tear on a property can in
reality translate to high costs of repair. The landlord may feel money needs to
be spent on the property before it can be rented out again. What is the answer?
Use a professional inventory clerk who will perform a comprehensive survey from
check-in to check-out. This protects the tenant's deposit and the landlord's
property - saving both parties time, hassle and money – and avoiding the
incidence of a dispute.
Inventory clerks are professionals who make
detailed notes of the condition and contents of a property before it is rented
out by a landlord. The clerk may carry out mid-tenancy checks on the property,
and will return when the tenancy expires to compare the original condition with
the end-of-tenancy condition. The return of the tenant's full deposit is
usually dependent upon the condition in which the property is vacated,
excluding resonable wear and tear.
What is noted on an
inventory?
An inventory is a legal document and should
be thorough. This is in the interests of the tenant and the landlord. There are
less likely to be problems when the tenant is leaving the property if
everything is noted in a detailed and efficient manner. The inventory should be
agreed by both the landlord and the tenant when the tenant moves into the
property.
The inventory should list everything
included in the property: doors and locks, ceiling, walls, light fittings,
flooring and carpets, blinds and curtains, smoke detectors, door frames, plug
sockets, cupboards, door handles, extractor fans and heating appliances. This
is not an exhaustive list.
As well as these fixtures and fittings, any
furniture belonging to the landlord should be included with descriptions of the
condition. It is important that any marks, chips or damage is included next to
each description, so that the landlord is not responsible for any damage done
by the tenant and vice versa. Some inventories also include utility readings –
gas, water and electricity. Companies may also take digital photographs of the
property.
Who uses inventory clerks?
- Landlords and letting agencies use inventories. If you own property
which you let to tenants, an inventory should be carried out before they
move in.
- We also offer a snagging service. As members of the Royal
Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) we are expert in residential
property. If you are buying a property which is a new build, we can
examine it before you move in and discuss any faults with the developer or
builder.
Prices from just £125
If you are a private landlord, inventory
prices can vary depending on the size of the property, and whether it is furnished
or unfurnished.
We charge just £125 for unfurnished property up to
three beds.
For furnished property we charge £150 up to three beds.
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