What is an inventory?
We explain how to create a quality check-in inventory and what you should include.
A quality check-in inventory is a comprehensive list of the property’s contents and areas, together with a detailed description of their condition, and the standard of cleanliness throughout. The check-in inventory should also include good quality photographs which, if not embedded in the report, should be time and date stamped.
It’s important for the tenant to see the report and agree to its content as soon after they’ve moved in as possible. Some landlords/agents will do this by visiting the property with the tenant to make sure there are no obvious differences. Most commonly, reports will be sent digitally, and tenants are usually given up to seven days from moving in, to report any differences.
Top tip from No Letting Go: No Letting Go offers an automated check in process (Digisign). This allows tenants to review and make comments on an inventory, and sign this digitally. Tenants benefit from making sure their comments are reviewed, and landlords have an easy way to get the inventory approved.
This report is the basis for everything that comes after it, when looking at how a tenant has lived in, and looked after, the property and any changes that have taken place or are found during mid-term inspections and when the tenancy ends, at ‘check out’.
