Property Inventory 123 for Tenants and Landlords

It's finally move-in day. The keys are in your hands and your new rental awaits. So it's easy to start unpacking without performing a property inventory.

What is a property inventory?

A property inventory is a report documenting the state of a property at the start and end of a tenancy. An inventory report will consist of photographs cataloging a property and its furnishings, alongside descriptions of and condition of each item/aspect of the property. We're talking walls, doors, floors, ceilings, skirtings, etc... 

Why is an inventory report so important when renting a property?

A tenancy inventory protects the tenant and the landlord against disagreements over wear and tear, damage, or theft during the tenancy. With Your Move, we use local independent specialists to conduct inventory checks, but as a tenant you should be interested in performing your own.

When should a property inventory be done?

Property inventories should be conducted at the start and end of a tenancy. It is likely an inventory clerk, managing agent, or landlord will go through the inventory with you, but tenants are encouraged to inspect the property themselves. Besides, an inventory check is always a great reason to deep-dive into your new residency, getting up close with every aspect of the property.

Can a landlord do their own inventory check?

While an inventory clerk will produce a professional inventory report, it is encouraged that landlords partake in the process and conduct their own landlord inventory check. A rental property inventory protects both the landlord and the tenant. Click here for our landlord services page.

Thorough property inventory reports will bring potential issues to light early, enabling the tenant to raise any queries at the start of their tenancy. A detailed property inventory will allow you to have a personal record of how the landlord or estate agency expects to receive the property at the conclusion of your tenancy, and provides you with evidence if you or the landlord disagree with any potential deposit deductions.

To conduct a property inventory and produce a tenancy inventory report, follow these three steps:

1. The Quick Inventory Check

Perform a brief walk through the entire property, focusing on general cleanliness and obvious surface issues, taking mental notes of any overt issues you'll need to document in your inventory report. Remember, this is a brief visual inspection and you should be more thorough when you follow the next step.

2. Lights... Camera... Action!

Starting with the entrance and slowly making your way through the property, use a smartphone to take general photos of each room. Remember to open the curtains and turn the lights on to ensure your photos are clear. It's vital you document every aspect of the room: Including the floor, walls, ceiling, doors, skirtings, any furnishings, and so on. Your photos should document the entire subject, and you should take supporting close-ups of any damage.

This is often the most time-consuming part of an inventory, and yet the most important. Photographic evidence is the best way to support any claims you need to make about the property. Therefore, it's important to get a combination of general wide photos and detailed close-ups.

If your new home is furnished, it's just as important to document the condition of furnishings, as they are the most likely to be affected by wear and tear during your tenancy. Make sure you inspect and document every side of furnishings, and the inside if applicable. This is especially important for kitchen appliances, as the interior ceilings of microwaves and ovens are easily missed.

As for notes, you should simply describe the subject of the photo and briefly describe the condition. E.g. "Living room walls - Cream. Good condition, marked". Your photos should support your descriptions.

3. Backing up your Inventory report

Whether your inventory report is hand-written, or created via a smartphone or computer, it's important to you take all of your notes and photographs and store them safely - And remember to back-up! When you reach the end of your tenancy you will want to conduct another inventory check before moving-out, and it's vital you have your moving-in inventory report for reference.