Landlord Inventory Survey

Property Inventory Survey

Property Inventory Survey is a detailed inspection that records and reports the contents, fixtures, fittings, and there condition of the contents of a rental property at a specific point in time—usually at the start or end of a tenancy. The document serves as an evidence to the condition of the content to resolve dispute over damages and wear and tear, the document must be served to both landlord and tenants 

What Is a Property Inventory Survey?

It’s a room-by-room inspection of the property that lists:

• Furniture and appliances (if furnished)
• Flooring, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, etc.
• Fixtures and fittings (like light switches, taps, sockets)
• Condition of all items (e.g., clean, marked, damaged)
• Supporting photographic evidence

Purpose of a Property Inventory Survey

To Protect Landlords and Tenants

• Prevents disputes over damage or missing items
• Acts as legal evidence during deposit disputes

Deposit Protection

• Helps meet requirements for tenancy deposit schemes (TDP)
• Supports fair assessment of deductions at the end of tenancy

Condition Tracking Over Time

• Highlights wear and tear versus actual damage
• Assists with future maintenance planning

Supports Letting Agents and Property Managers

• Provides professional documentation and helps streamline check-ins/check-outs

Who Needs It?

Protection for Landlords and Tenants:

It establishes a record of the property’s condition before a tenant moves in, helping to avoid disputes over damages or pre-existing issues at the end of the tenancy. 

Landlords

• To prove the condition of property and contents before and after tenancy
• To protect their property and ensure that they can legitimately withhold funds from the deposit for necessary repairs or replacements. 

Tenants

• To ensure they aren’t held responsible for pre-existing damage
• To ensure they are not unfairly charged for damages that existed before they moved in or for normal wear and tear. 

Letting Agents

• To manage properties professionally and reduce liability
• To facilitate a smooth and fair tenancy process for both landlords and tenants, and to help resolve potential disputes. 

Property Manager

• For clear documentation and tenant management

Short-term rental hosts (AirBNB)

• To monitor property between stays and handle disputes with guests

Evidence for Deposit Disputes:

• The inventory serves as crucial evidence when determining if damage or wear and tear is the tenant’s responsibility, aiding in fair adjudication of deposit claims. 

Clear Record of Condition:

It provides a detailed record of the property’s condition, including furniture, fixtures, fittings, and general wear and tear, allowing for easy comparison at the end of the tenancy. 

Transparency and Accountability:

By documenting the property’s condition, inventories encourage transparency and accountability from both landlords and tenants, fostering better relationships. 

When Is It Carried Out?

• Before tenant moves in (Check-In Inventory)
• At the end of the tenancy (Check-Out Report)

Can also be updated during mid-term inspections