All residential tenancy deposits must by law be protected by being lodged in one of the three government-recognised schemes, such as the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS), which is evidence based. This means that the decision to either return or withhold a deposit at the end of a tenancy is made by considering any differences between the condition of the property at the beginning and the end of the tenancy.
This can only be achieved when a formal inventory has been created. This is as important in respect of unfurnished, part furnished or furnished properties, because a good inventory is not just a list of contents, but also a statement of condition of those contents and the actual fabric of the building.
For example, whilst the lease may have a clause stipulating that the property must be returned in the same condition in which it was initially taken, how can this be proven without a schedule of condition?
There are several other reasons to have an inventory prepared apart from the obvious one relating to identifying missing contents. Dispute resolution between a tenant and landlord can be helped with a good inventory.
The most effective form of inventory is of course one that uses multiple images. Ours are produced by a professional inventory clerk who is independent of the landlord or ourselves. Such clerks are trained to record the property’s condition in a way which is unequivocal in the event of a dispute.
Of all the costs associated with letting and protecting your investment, the small cost of producing a watertight inventory is probably one of the most important for your own peace of mind.
Should you require any additional information on the range of letting services we offer, please do not hesitate to contact any of our letting teams.
Dartford office: t) 01322 228090 e) dartford@livermores.co.uk
Crayford office: t) 01322 550777 e) crayford@livermores.co.uk