This week I have had a number of landlords contact me about compiling an inventory, its importance and what they can do to support their claim if a tenant moves out leaves behind some form of damage or mess.
Inventories have long been a minefield for landlords in Sheffield, especially those who are new to the process of letting out a property. Ever since landlords began renting out properties to tenants and requesting a deposit, the most common ‘flashpoints’ between the two parties are arguments at the time of move out, about the condition of the property, its contents, and the deductions from the deposit as a result.
I read earlier in the week that 23,500 disputes were logged in 2009, with a staggering 92 per-cent of cases being found in favour of the tenant, which has cost UK landlords an estimated £12 million. I am a firm believer that had many of these landlords produced an ‘air tight’ inventory at the start of the tenancy agreement, the picture could have been somewhat different.
Under the various deposit schemes, the focus is on the landlord to prove their case when they request a proportion of a tenant’s deposit.
Landlords need to take professional advice from a lettings agent such as Belvoir Sheffield on such an important document, as it so easy to miss certain elements that will in the long-term add strength to their case, should a dispute arise. A professionally prepared inventory is critical
When a new tenant moves into a property, Belvoir Lettings Agency Sheffield visit the property, create a detailed inventory that describes its condition and contents, and ask the tenant to sign the document as a true and accurate record of the state of the property. We also ensure that all of the relevant health and safety information is included. We even ensure that we take digital photographs to add strength to any inventory.
This document is then used on move out day and where needed to support a landlord claim. We welcome enquiries from landlords who require further information on the subject of inventories and we will happily talk them through the options.
