I don’t need an inventory – the flat’s not furnished

“I don’t need an inventory – the flat’s not furnished”

This is something we hear often, but let’s get it straight, an inventory is not a list of furnishings; it’s a detailed schedule of how the property has been provided to the tenant at the start of tenancy

Yes, it includes details of any furniture, but it’s so much more than that!

The inventory is presented in written format with dated photographs. An inventory includes a description of the condition of the property, including its fixtures and fittings, and the cleanliness at the start of the tenancy.

The importance of a properly compiled inventory cannot be underestimated.

If the tenant has damaged the property during their tenancy, but refutes your claim for money from the deposit to cover the repair costs, the matter will be referred to the deposit scheme’s arbitration service (you can also pursue this via the courts should you wish. Court costs apply).

Both parties provide evidence to support their claim and the arbitrator makes a decision based on that evidence. There is no appeal and their decision is final.

The inventory is a critical piece of evidence that is presented to the adjudicator as a true indicator of the condition of the property on the tenancy start date. It is considered vital documentary evidence and an arbitrator is highly unlikely to favour a landlord’s claim without it.

To ensure your inventory is sufficiently robust and defensible it is always recommended that you use an independent inventory service.