Information for Tenants
What difference does having a professional inventory make to the tenant?
A professionally drawn up inventory will help you in the event that you have a dispute with your landlord at the end of the tenancy.
A thorough inventory will detail for you not only the contents within the property but the condition of them as well as the condition of the property itself including fixtures and fittings – such as carpets, curtains and light fittings.
If there is a clear indication of what the property is like at the start of your tenancy you can use this as a measure against the condition of the property at the end, with allowance for fair wear and tear. Without this there is an element of doubt about the property which can lead to protracted disputes which may have to go to an independent party for adjudication or finish up in a Court of Law
A professional inventory provider is trained to be impartial both at the time of making the original inventory and at the check out. Their evidence will be relied upon in the event of a dispute over the deposit at the end and you can be confident that the documentation will have been drawn up correctly and fairly.
How will I know whether the inventory has been carried out by a professional?
A very good indication of this is whether the inventory provider is a member of APIP. This qualification means that they have been through a training process and have passed an assessment to demonstrate their abilities in drawing up an inventory and conducting the check in and check out as required.
In addition the fully qualified member of APIP will have their name and membership number included in the inventory.
How can I help the process?
Whether you are actually checked into the property at the start of the tenancy or are given the inventory to check through yourself – it is important that you take this process seriously.
Compare each item listed on the inventory, checking that you agree with the condition given. If there are issues that you don’t agree with, don’t ignore it, but bring it to the attention of the person conducting the check in, or if you are going through the property yourself contact the agent as soon as possible.