I don't need an inventory; my property isn't furnished!

This is a common misunderstanding, and I often hear it. It's easy to see why landlords might think this due to the misleading nature of the term 'inventory.'

People usually assume an inventory is merely a list of items, but it actually encompasses much more. When we use the full title 'Inventory of Schedule and Condition,' its purpose becomes clearer.

For example, furniture accounts for only about 10 to 20 % of a comprehensive Inventory of Schedule and Condition for a furnished property. This raises the question of what the other 80 to 90 % includes.

Purpose of the Report

Let's examine the report's purpose. It is designed to protect both tenant and landlord and prevent disputes at the end of a tenancy. The report should be detailed enough to document defects, items, furniture, appliances, cleanliness, decorative order, and their condition at the start of the tenancy. This provides an accurate reference for comparison when creating the check-out report.

Importance of Detail

If the inventory doesn't include everything from a lampshade, wall colour, carpets, to the toggle on a pull cord, these items can't be mentioned in the check-out report if they weren't noted in the inventory. Damage to any of these items can be costly to repair. A full property cleaning could also cost a significant amount. This is when landlords appreciate having invested in a comprehensive report.

Protection for Tenants

For tenants, a detailed inventory serves as protection to prevent issues at the end of the tenancy and delays in deposit returns. Landlords may forget the exact condition of their property after a year or so. It's easy to overlook a gouged wall or a loose oven handle. This can lead to misunderstandings. Tenants knew about these issues when they moved in, but without proof, landlords might believe the tenant caused them, leading to disputes.

Dispute Resolution

The tenancy dispute service acts as a safeguard for tenants, especially if no inventory report exists. However, this process can cause unnecessary delays. A detailed inventory could have prevented the situation.