Household inventory forms

This article from Lawpack's Residential Lettings Kit explores how to a comprehensive household inventory, which can avoid complications at the end of the tenancy.

One of the most common 'flashpoints' between landlord and tenant is arguments about the condition of the property and its contents, and deductions from the damage deposit. Most of these arguments can be prevented by drawing up a detailed inventory.

You should go through the house room by room, noting on the Inventory all the items in each room. Even if you are letting a property unfurnished it is a good idea to have an inventory to record the condition of the walls and carpets, etc., in case of future dispute.

It is a good idea to also make a note of the condition of the items on the form, for example, if there is a stain on the carpet or rug, so that the tenant is not blamed for this at the end of the tenancy.

The inventory (which should be prepared in duplicate) should be checked with the tenant before he moves into the property and the landlord and tenant should each sign the Inventories at the foot of every page.

Any alterations made at that time should be marked on both copies so that they are identical. One of the signed copies should be attached to the tenant's tenancy agreement and given to the tenant, and the other attached to the landlord's tenancy agreement and kept safely.

When the tenant is about to leave, the landlord (or his agent) should meet him at the property and go through the inventory with him again, room by room. If there are any missing or damaged items, it is often possible to sort out how much should be deducted from the damage deposit there and then.

04 July 2008