What should a good property inventory include?
A useful inventory does more than list what is inside a property. It creates a clear record of its condition from the very beginning.
More than a list
A property inventory is sometimes mistaken for a simple list of furniture, fittings and appliances. A good inventory goes considerably further.
It records the visible condition and cleanliness of the property, room by room, before the tenancy begins. Written observations are supported by clear photography, providing landlords, letting agents and tenants with a shared point of reference.
A room-by-room record
Each area should be approached in a consistent order. This normally includes:
- Walls, ceilings and floors
- Doors and windows
- Fixtures and fittings
- Furniture and appliances
- Existing marks, damage or wear
- The general standard of cleanliness
- Gardens, balconies and external areas
The detail matters. Describing a carpet as simply “used”, for example, is less helpful than recording its visible condition, marks and level of cleanliness.
Photography with context
Photographs strengthen an inventory, but they should support the written report rather than replace it.
A photograph may show a mark, scratch or damaged fitting. The accompanying description explains where it is, what it relates to and why it has been recorded.
Together, they create a clearer and more useful account of the property.
The practical details
Where relevant and accessible, an inventory or check-in report may also record:
- Utility meter readings
- Keys and access devices
- Parking permits
- Furnished contents
- External storage areas
- Gardens and outbuildings
These smaller details can easily be overlooked at the beginning of a tenancy and become difficult to establish later.
A clear starting point
At check-out, the original inventory provides the baseline against which the property can be compared.
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme advises that a detailed check-in inventory and clear, dated photographs are important evidence when establishing a property’s original condition and considering fair wear and tear. Read the TDS guidance.
A well-prepared inventory does not decide who is responsible for a change. It provides the clear record needed for an informed discussion.
More to keep in view
