The summer holidays are over and it’s time to move into your new student digs. You’ve got your room and your university timetable sorted, but have you taken a full inventory of your new house yet? Taking one now could be a huge help in settling any disputes you have with your landlord or letting agent when you move out.
“We’ve all been there. You start packing up your room to move out only to discover that the inventory you should have completed a year ago is completely blank. I wish I’d taken the time to do it at the beginning of my tenancy. It would have saved a lot of hassle.” – Mattie Lynch, Birmingham City University alumni 2014
What is an inventory?
An inventory is a detailed list of the condition of everything that your landlord has provided with the property you rent. It’s also occasionally referred to as a “schedule of condition”. A typical inventory includes, but isn’t limited to:
- Furniture
- Carpets
- Curtains
- Appliances
- Kitchenware
An inventory is completed to take note of the condition of the property and items in the property before a tenant moves in and just before a tenant moves out, so it’s clear what damages, if any, need to be paid for by the tenant (this money is typically taken from the deposit).
How detailed should an inventory be?
At the most basic level, each item in the property should be listed alongside it’s overall condition with any notes you think need recording. How thorough you want to be usually depends on the value of the items in the property. Many landlords advise photographic or video evidence of more expensive items so there is no question of their condition.
Who should create the inventory?
In an ideal world, the inventory would initially be created and completed by the landlord, letting agent or an independent inventory clerk. However, if you have not been provided with an inventory form, you are well within your right to create an inventory yourself. Just make sure your landlord/agent and tenant(s) sign the inventory and initial every page to signify the agreement.
You can download a free inventory template from Shelter’s website HERE.
What happens if something gets damaged?
Any time a household item is damaged or replaced, it should be recorded on your inventory with the date and a description of the damage. It’s also helpful to keep records of any repair work completed by your landlord. These records can include receipts of payment, photographs, and any written correspondence between you and your landlord/agent.
Ultimately, we know from our own time at university that filling out an inventory can be a right pain, but it really is worth doing. At the bare minimum, the most important things to do are:
- Agree on a detailed inventory with your landlord and make sure all parties have initialled each page and signed the agreement.
- Make an inventory yourself if your landlord/agent hasn’t provided one
- Keep a written record of all damage in the house and use this to settle any disputes when moving out
At Glide, we’re on a mission to make life simple for our customers so they have more time to do the things they love. If you need any further information on inventories let us know on Facebook or Twitter and we’ll get right back to you.