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.
The Indispensable Value of Professional Property Inventories
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. The "Golden Thread" of evidence is crucial.
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.
This avoids and resolves disputes effectively.
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.
This protects your investment.
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, establishing a clear standard.
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.
Ensuring legal and safety compliance.
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.
Offering impartiality and professional authority.
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.
This allows for early identification of maintenance issues.
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 compliance while protecting interests through an accurate "fair wear and tear" assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Inventory Check-Ins
A comprehensive Inventory Check-In Report typically includes:
- A detailed description of the property's condition room by room.
- A list of all fixtures, fittings, and appliances with their condition.
- Photographic evidence of the property's state at the time of check-in.
- Meter readings (electricity, gas, water).
- Details of keys provided.
- A schedule of any existing damage or maintenance issues.
- Notes on cleanliness.
It is highly recommended that tenants or their representatives (e.g., a letting agent) are present during the check-in inspection. This allows for a thorough walkthrough, provides an opportunity to ask questions, and ensures agreement on the documented condition of the property. If a tenant cannot be present, they can nominate someone to attend on their behalf.
At the end of the inspection, the inventory clerk will typically provide a verbal summary of the findings. The tenant (or their representative) will be asked to sign a copy of the report to confirm their attendance and agreement with the documented condition. The final report will then be compiled and sent electronically.
Typically, the Inventory Check-In Report will be ready for viewing and will be sent to you electronically within 24-48 hours of the inspection. This allows our clerks time to compile all notes and photographs into a comprehensive document.
Yes, absolutely. We encourage tenants to review the report carefully upon receipt. If you disagree with any part of the report or wish to add your own comments or specific photos, you have a designated period (usually 7 days) to submit these to us. We will then review your additions and, if appropriate, amend the report accordingly. This ensures the report accurately reflects your understanding of the property's condition.
Booking our inventory services is simple. You can either call us directly at [Your Phone Number], email us at [Your Email Address], or visit our website and fill out our online booking form. We will then contact you to confirm the details and schedule your appointment.
Other Useful Questions
"Fair wear and tear" refers to the normal deterioration of a property and its contents due to everyday use. It is not considered damage caused by the tenant. For example, slight fading of carpets or minor scuffs on walls from furniture are generally accepted as fair wear and tear. Damage beyond this, such as large stains, burns, or broken fixtures, would typically be the tenant's responsibility.
If you discover an issue shortly after moving in that was not apparent during the check-in or was missed by the clerk, it's important to report it to us and your landlord/agent immediately, ideally in writing. Most inventory reports allow for a grace period (e.g., 7 days) to report any newly discovered issues not documented during the initial inspection.
For landlords, a professional inventory is vital for protecting their financial investment. It provides legally recognized evidence of the property's condition at the start of the tenancy, which is essential for making fair claims against the tenant's security deposit for any damages beyond fair wear and tear. It also helps to prevent disputes and ensures a smoother tenancy.