ADVICE FOR USING THE INVENTORY FORMS
You are strongly advised to take professional advice where inventories are concerned.
The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks can provide the names of inventory
clerks in your area, who will produce a professional inventory at a reasonable cost. The
advantage to you is that this inventory will be seen as independent by all parties should
there be a dispute at the end of the tenancy.
If you wish to prepare your own inventory the attached forms will provide a guideline. It
is hoped that this format will help if there is a dispute.
COMPILING AN INVENTORY
1 Both tenant and landlord should sign the declaration sheet at the check in. The tenant
should not be asked to sign the inventory until they have had a chance to check it.
2 The tenant should be given a copy of the inventory and declaration sheet. The landlord
should keep the master copy. This copy should be used for the check out. If any
changes are made to the property or contents during the tenancy an addendum sheet
should be added to the inventory, signed by both tenant and landlord.
3
Each page should show:
£ the date the inventory was compiled or last amended
£ page number and total number of pages
£ tenants initials.
4
Be aware of the general safety issues:
5 Be accurate with your statement about cleaning. This is probably the major area in
which disputes over dilapidation charges occur. If the property is clean at the start, you
can expect it to be returned clean. However, as cleaning standards are subjective, you
should agree with the tenant that the property is clean and tidy and note this on the
declaration sheet. Wherever possible, keep receipts for cleaning, i.e. for carpets,
curtains, laundry etc.
6 The condition of any gardens should be described in layman’s terms. Include statues,
garden furniture, tools etc. State if the tenant is responsible for garden maintenance.
Tree surgery, seasonal pruning etc. would normally be considered a maintenance issue
and not the tenant’s responsibility.
7 Start a new page for each room.
8 Start each room with a description of the fixed items in the room,
e.g. decorations – state colours and/or description of wallpaper
£ flooring – colour and composition
£ electrical items – lighting, power outlets