What is an Inventory Report?
The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) states that: "Inventories are absolutely essential documents that provide a written benchmark, that should be amended, updated and recreated before the beginning of each new tenancy." The inventory report created by Maple Inventories contains comprehensive information for all of the fixtures and fittings of your property. We include written and photographic data about the contents as well as the decoration and condition at the time of the report. If there are any damages, they will also be described in the document. The inventory report can serve as a form of protection when the property is rented out. It is a legal document and can be also be used as a form of evidence if there is a dispute between the tenants and the landlord or the estate agency as well as for landlords insurance purposes.
Do I need a report?
Stains on the carpet? Holes in the wall? Damaged furniture? Who is responsible? How will you reclaim the money to put the property right? A Maple Inventories property report will detail the current condition of your property before the tenancy begins which includes all of the fixtures, fittings, décor and furniture as well as the condition of all of the items within the property– this is referred to as a ‘check in’ report and will be compared to a follow on report that will be conducted when the tenancy has ended known as a ‘check out’ report. This will identify any changes to the contents and condition of the property from before the tenancy started in comparison to the condition at the end of the tenancy.
Can I do a report myself?
Although theoretically, there is nothing stopping you carrying out your own property report, questions around competence of the assessor and the level of bias of the report may arise within any formal disputes. The Housing Act 2004 requires landlords and letting agents to protect deposits on Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST). It is a direct recommendation that landlords hold a detailed inventory of the property that has been conducted by a completely independent third party. With a detailed professional inventory report from Maple Inventories, you can dispel any tenancy deposit disputes that may arise, thus providing a level ground of security for both landlords and tenants alike with regards to the condition of the property. Peace of mind can be achieved by instructing Maple Inventories that professional, competent, experienced and qualified assessors who are completely unbiased and independent are carrying out your reports.
What is the Tenancy Deposit Scheme?
You can find out more about the regulations and requirements regarding the holding of tenants deposits
here