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Landlord Inventory Checklist: A Complete Guide for Letting Property in London

A professional property inventory is one of the most important documents a landlord can have when letting out a property. In London’s fast-moving rental market, accurate documentation protects landlords from disputes, financial loss, and unnecessary stress.

This landlord inventory checklist explains what should be included, when inventories should be carried out, and why professional inventory services are essential for landlords and letting agents across London.

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What Is a Landlord Inventory?

A landlord inventory is a detailed, impartial record of a property’s condition and contents at the start of a tenancy. It provides clear evidence of how a property was presented before tenants move in and is used as a benchmark throughout the tenancy.

A professionally prepared inventory protects landlords, tenants, and letting agents, and provides critical evidence if a deposit dispute arises at the end of the tenancy.

Learn more about our professional inventory reports.

When Should a Property Inventory Be Completed?

A landlord inventory should always be completed before the tenant moves in and ideally before keys are handed over.

  • Inventory Make – completed prior to check-in
  • Inventory Make & Check-In Report – The inventory is prepared before the tenancy starts and then confirmed during a tenant meet and greet, including a walkthrough and documented key handover on move-in day.
  • Interim Inspections – mid-tenancy condition checks
  • Check-Out Report – end-of-tenancy comparison

What Should a Landlord Inventory Include?

A professional inventory report should be clear, detailed, and impartial. At Inventory One, our reports typically include:

Property Overview

  • Property address
  • Type of property
  • Date and time of inspection

Room-by-Room Descriptions

  • Walls, ceilings, floors, and skirting
  • Doors, windows, locks, and handles
  • Lighting and electrical fittings
  • Heating systems and radiators
  • Outdoor areas included

Descriptions are factual, detailed and free from opinion.

Fixtures, Fittings & Appliances

  • Kitchen appliances
  • White goods
  • Furniture
  • Bathroom fittings
  • Built-in storage

Cleanliness & Condition

Cleanliness is one of the most common sources of disputes. A professional inventory records:

  • Cleaning standards
  • Visible wear and tear
  • Existing damage or marks

Meter Readings & Keys

  • Gas, electric, heat and water meter readings
  • Location of meters
  • Number of keys issued

Photographic Evidence

High-quality photographs are essential. Our inventory reports include clear supporting images referenced directly within the report.

The Importance of a Professional Inventory Make & Check-In

A professional check-in ensures the tenancy starts smoothly and that the condition of the property is clearly understood by all parties from day one.

Our check-in service includes:

  • Meet and greet with the tenant on move-in day
  • Brief walkthrough of the property
  • Discussion of any issues identified and cleaning standards
  • Locating meters and recording accurate readings
  • Documenting and handing over keys
  • Report issued directly to the tenant for review and signature

View our inventory make & check-in services.

Interim Inspections: Protecting Your Property During the Tenancy

  • Identifying maintenance issues early
  • Monitoring property condition
  • Reducing end-of-tenancy costs

Our interim inspection reports provide landlords with peace of mind throughout the tenancy.

Check-Out Reports & Deposit Protection

  • Changes in condition
  • Damage beyond fair wear and tear
  • Cleaning issues
  • Missing or broken items

Learn more about our check-out inspections.

Common Inventory Mistakes Landlords Make

  • Using self-completed inventories
  • Incomplete descriptions
  • Poor photographic evidence
  • Missing check-in documentation
  • Skipping interim inspections
  • Using a check-out report as a check-in report (or vice versa), resulting in unclear documentation and weak evidence in the event of a dispute

Professional Inventory Services in London

  • Inventory reports
  • Inventory make & check-in services
  • Interim inspections
  • Check-out inspections

If you’re letting out a property in London, a professional inventory is essential.

Contact Inventory One today to arrange your inventory, check-in, or inspection service.

Call us for a quick chat on 0207 515 7306

Customer Support

At Inventory One, we provide our clients with the best possible support allowing our clients and portfolio landlords to stay organized and on top of their property management.

Dashboard

Our unique online portal is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to easily share, view and manage your reports from anywhere, at any time.

Direct Online Bookings

Make your bookings securely online and stay on track with daily reminders of your scheduled appointments. Simply provide us with all the necessary details and we’ll take care of the rest.

3rd Party Integrations

Establish customised integrations with third-party software and CRMs to provide you with a smoother and more streamlined service.

Notifications

Automated notifications and updates via email to keep everyone informed of appointments and when the reports are complete.

Embedded Digital Signatures

Our portal allows us to collect signatures from tenants, landlords and clients remotely.

ONE INVENTORY, ONE SMART INVESTMENT.

Inventory One provides a bespoke Property Inventory service for professional Landlords, Build To Rent developers, Estate Agents, Letting Agents and Property Management companies.

Our Services

Inventory One offers a range of services that have been specifically tailored to safeguard the interests of both landlords and tenants. These services include detailed inventory reports, check-in, check-out reports and interim inspections.

Learn more

Pricing

At Inventory One we believe in providing transparent and competitive rates. We believe that transparency and fairness in pricing are essential components of our success and we will continue to prioritise these principles in all aspects of our business.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a property inventory and why is it important?

A property inventory is a detailed, impartial record of a property’s condition, contents and cleanliness at a specific point in time.
It plays a vital role in protecting both landlords and tenants by providing clear evidence in the event of disputes, particularly around deposit deductions.

Do you test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms for compliance?

Yes. During our inspections, we visually check and test accessible smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where applicable.
Their presence, condition and test results are recorded in the report to help landlords demonstrate compliance with current safety regulations.

How quickly will I receive my report?

We understand that timing is crucial. We offer fast turnaround times, with most inventory reports completed within 24-72 hours of inspection. For urgent bookings, same-day or next-day appointments may be available depending on location and access.

What’s included in a professional inventory report?

Our inventory reports include:

  • A full room-by-room condition assessment

  • Fixtures, fittings and contents recorded in detail

  • Cleanliness standards noted

  • High-resolution digital photographs

  • Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm testing (where accessible)

This ensures a comprehensive and reliable record of the property.

Are your inventory reports compliant with deposit protection schemes?

Yes. All our reports are prepared in line with industry best practice and are suitable for use with TDS, DPS and MyDeposits. Our detailed, impartial reports are designed to support landlords and agents in the event of adjudication.

Book with us today

For comprehensive and professional inventory reports that help protect your property investments and provide peace of mind.

One Inventory, One Solution, Inventory One











     

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