At first sight you may think that Property Inventory Services were invented to benefit Property Owners.
Clearly, landlords have understandable agenda to protect themselves against potential damages in properties they let.
True.
On the other hand, Inventories are here to protect your deposits. Up to date state of the property including the items within are noted and at the time of Check Out they will be reassessed with an objective eye and references to wear & tear.
How to avoid unpleasant surprises at the Check Out?
First and foremost – as much as we appreciate that moving itself is a massive time and energy consumer, we can’t stress enough that checking on your inventory will prevent later disappointments. Inventory clerks are surely trained, skilled and experienced professionals who will capture a highly reflective image of your new home, however the devil never sleeps and there may be a thing or 2 they missed. Do not overestimate the human nature and its ability to concentrate.
Inventories went through a massive evolution since the first deposit was officially registered. Now You – as a tenant have the opportunity to bring your own input to the Check In Inventory Report, should that be needed. You have the space between 5 & 7 days (depends on the provider) to gather photographic evidence with description which can be included as your observation about what was missed by the clerk, should this be the case.
Speaking of the input you may bring, let us help you to see what you may wish to double check in the property:
- tiny pinhead chips to the sanitary wear and tiled flooring, these may get easily missed
- cleanliness of the curtains/blinds/lampshades
- tiny chips to hard worktop surfaces and tiled shelves/ window sills
- chipped doors and frames above your eye level
It’s not so necessary to comment on hairline cracks in ceilings and walls as those are very unlikely to be caused by tenants.
In addition, your Inventory includes notes which should prepare you for the Check Out in the future. Do not forget to plan your Check Out ahead. Often tenants dismiss the fact that they Checked In to a professionally cleaned property which means they should also Check Out of the property professionally cleaned. Reviewing your original Inventory once you hand in the notice may help you to discover what to bring into your cleaners attention. It is generally a good idea to keep your receipt for the clean performed.
At last, should your landlord present you with an Inventory they compiled themselves and you would like to amend it, do not forget to make Dated Detailed Photographs of the issues you found. Accompany each photograph with explanation and forward it to your landlord.
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