Inventory & Check-In
Inventory & Check In
A complete and comprehensive report itemising its fixtures and fittings, contents and an overall condition of the property. The report will also highlight the general cleanliness of the property, will include meter readings at the start of the tenancy, it will also confirm that the smoke alarms and CO2 alarms have been tested and are in working order as well as make a note of the number of keys to be handed over to the tenants.
As part of this service, our clerk will meet with the Tenants at the property on the day of their move in, so that the Check-In process is complete. Should the Tenants not be available for the Check-In, they can collect the keys from us in person.
The report will then be sent over to the Tenants for review where they will have 7 days to respond back should they wish to make any amendments or have any further comments to make. The comments will be reviewed against any photographs that the Tenants may wish to send in to us, if acceptable, we will make the adequate changes to the report highlighting the comments made by the Tenants, the report is then ready to be signed by both the Landlord and Tenant/s.
Our in-depth reports are ready within 24-48 hours.
Here are the key reasons why a professional property inventory is essential:
1. The "Golden Thread" of Evidence
A professional inventory acts as the definitive "baseline" for the property.
Without a detailed report from the start of the tenancy, it is nearly impossible
to prove that damage occurred during the tenant's stay. It provides a clear
"before and after" comparison that is essential for any claim.
2. Dispute Avoidance & Resolution
Most tenancy disputes arise from disagreements over the return of the security
deposit. A high-quality, independent report from Inventory Bee often prevents
disputes from even starting, as tenants are less likely to contest clear, photographic
evidence of
damage or cleanliness.
3. Protection of Your Financial Investment
For a landlord, the property is a major financial asset. An inventory ensures that if a
tenant causes damage beyond "fair wear and tear" - such as cigarette burns, broken
fixtures, or pet damage—the landlord has the legal standing to recover the costs of
repair or replacement from the deposit.
4. Establishing a Standard of Cleanliness
Cleanliness is the number one cause of deposit disputes in the UK. A professional
inventory includes a "Cleaning Schedule," which documents the exact state of
everything from the oven to the windows. This sets a clear expectation for the tenant
to return the property to that same standard.
5. Legal & Safety Compliance
A professional clerk will check and record the presence and functionality of smoke
and carbon monoxide alarms on the day of move-in. This provides the landlord with
vital dated evidence that they have met their legal safety obligations at the
commencement of the tenancy.
6. Impartiality & Professional Authority
Reports created by landlords or tenants themselves are often viewed as biased by
adjudication bodies. An independent report from an ARLA-qualified clerk carries
significant weight with the TDS, DPS, and MyDeposits, as it is seen as an objective,
third-party assessment.
7. Identifying Maintenance Issues Early
Because our clerks have a Senior Property Management background, they don’t just
look at surfaces. We can identify early signs of damp, leaks, or "HHSRS"
(Housing Health and Safety Rating System) hazards that, if left unchecked, could
become expensive structural problems or legal liabilities.
8. Accurate "Fair Wear and Tear" Assessment
The law does not allow landlords to claim for "betterment." A professional inventory
accurately records the age and condition of items, allowing for a fair calculation of
depreciation. This ensures the landlord remains compliant with the law while still
protecting their interests.
Our FAQ's
• Description of the fixtures and fittings along with photographic evidence
• Cleanliness of the property and any fixtures/fittings
• Smoke alarms and CO2 detectors tested and in working/non-working order
• Number of keys handed to Tenants
• Windows, blinds, curtains, doors and flooring checked
• Kitchen cabinets, utensils/pots (if any)
• White goods listed and tested (model/serial numbers will be provided)
• Locks tested and in working/non-working order
• Any defects will be highlighted
• Any actions for repair will be specified
• Meter readings provided as per the start of the tenancy (serial number of the meters will be provided)
It is not necessary for Tenants to be present during this process, however, we would prefer if they were in order to give them an opportunity to meet our clerk to handover the keys.
Upon completion of the inspection, the clerk will review the report to ensure that it is all clear and concise. All photographic evidence will be checked indivdiually to ensure that they have been taken correcly and are clear to view. The report will need to be typed up and finalised. It will then be sent to the office for the final check before it is shared with the Landlord and Tenant/s. The report will be sent via email and can be viewed, saved and signed by either party.
Usually, we have a 24-48 hour turnaround, though we do have requests that require the report to be submitted within 24 hours. Should you need this to be sent to you urgently, please let us know and we will arrange this at no additional cost.
Yes, both parties will have an opportunity to make any comments they feel are adequate. Should Tenants wish to comment on any of the clerks assessment or photos taken, they can do so via the Additional Comments section of the report. The revised version will then be assessed by the clerk to confirm they are appropriate, once agreed, an updated document/link will be sent via email.
You can do this by completing our Contact Form, calling us on 07944 868 862 or by emailing us at info@inventorybee.co.uk.