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Renting can pose many challenges for both tenants and landlords. A ripped carpet, broken window or damaged wall can cost tenants their often-hefty deposits, and landlords can feel that money needs to be invested into the property before it is in a suitable condition to rent out again to new tenants.
Although some areas of the UK are covered by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, the services of a professional inventory clerk can further help landlords to protect their property and tenants protect their deposit, saving both hassle, time and money for both parties.
What is an inventory clerk?
An inventory clerk will make detailed notes about the contents and condition of a property before it is rented out to tenants by a landlord. Inventory clerks may also conduct checks on the property mid-tenancy. They will return at the end of the tenancy to compare the current condition of the property with the detailed notes made at the beginning of the tenancy. Tenants will receive their full deposit back if the property is deemed to be at the same standard when they leave as it was when they moved in.
If you are interested in becoming an inventory clerk, there are dedicated property inventory training courses available, such as with https://inventorybase.co.uk/academy/, that will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to excel in this industry.
What do inventory notes include?
As an inventory is a legal document, it will be detailed and thorough. This is in the interests of both the landlord and the tenant, as there are less likely to be issues when a tenant leaves a property if there is a detailed, legally binding document to refer to.
Inventories list everything that is included in the property. This will include but will not be limited to: flooring and carpets, smoke detectors, doors and locks, appliances, plug sockets, and cupboards. In addition to listing fixtures, fittings and furniture owned by the landlord, an inventory will also include a description of the condition of each of these items. All existing damage should be detailed to ensure that neither the tenant nor landlord is held responsible for damage caused by the other party.
Some inventory clerks will take digital photographs to support their inventory, and tenants may want to take their own photographs before moving in.
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