editor posted on August 09, 2010 06:02
Good quality inventories are an essential part of managing both a property that is let and in ensuring that the relationship between landlord and tenant remains positive.
Without a good quality inventory that has been approved by both landlord and tenant at the outset there is a greatly increased risk of a dispute at the end of the tenancy as to the condition that the property and any fixtures, fittings and furnishings are in.
With disputes regarding deposits now being handled through the The Dispute Service (TDS), there is evidence to show that landlords may lose out in any dispute where there is a lack of evidence to support a wish to withhold some or all of the deposit due to damage, unreasonable wear and tear or uncleanliness during the period of the tenancy.
At Lenwell we have, since 1996, been producing professional inventories that include both photographs and video evidence as well as supporting text to ensure that any likelihood of a dispute is minimised and, if it arises at all, is resolved quickly and sensibly with both parties.
Our inventory service operates as follows:
• On move-in we complete a written inventory and also a video inventory of the
property. The Video follows a checklist to ensure nothing is missed (e.g. inside ovens
and down toilets!).
• On move-out another video is taken and the original written inventory is checked to
ensure any dilapidations are noted.
• Copies of all videos are stored on RAID servers and can be transferred by email, CD
or can be output to picture images and viewed online.
The procedure is administered by trained staff and is audited to ensure consistency, this high standard of service has enabled easy compliance with TDS (The Dispute Service) deposit dispute adjudication.
Over the years we have, on rare occasions had dispute cases that have been heard in the County Court and are delighted to report that various Judges have complemented us on our thorough inventory procedures.