Preparing Your Inventory

An updated inventory must be issued at the commencement of every new tenancy. A new tenancy includes renewal of a tenancy. The true test of an inventory is when the Tenant denies causing damage. Your inventory will be used as evidence in deciding who is liable for the damage.(click here to download our inventory template)

You know and the Tenant knows if they put a cigarette burn on the carpet but they can claim it was there when they moved in. In such disputes the law and the tenancy deposit dispute service requires the burden of proof on the claimant. [The Landlord or their Agent] 91 per cent of dispute cases settled by Mydeposits adjudication service found in favour of the Tenant. The average amount in dispute was £733, which is significantly lower than the average deposit of £1,052.

The deposit dispute service permits Video [JPEG] evidence which must be date stamped. Having the Tenant sign the inventory as a definition of the property at a moment in time also assists your case. Check in and checkout provides a detailed definition of condition.

If you want to improve your chances of deducting monies for damage and rent arrears from a deposit use our agreement, issue our prescribed information which reiterates the deduction that may be made and take photographic evidence with your inventory.

At the end of the Tenancy, if you have to make any deductions you are not entitled to 'New for Old'. You must allow for depreciation of the item over the anticipated lifecycle.

As an example, at the commencement of tenancy you fit felt backed or cord carpet in the living room costing £150, 18-months later when the tenancy ends, there are visible