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.