A Change of Tenant
24.11.2009
THE INVENTORY
The inventory and schedule of condition is essential to protect both the landlord and the tenant. This document, which should be very detailed and clear, is the measure against which the property is checked at the end of the tenancy for discrepancies and damage.
It is not enough to merely list the items of furniture under the headings of the rooms they stand in – there must be detailed record of the fabric and structure of the interior of the property together with the condition in which they are found. This also applies to the fixtures, fittings and furnishings.
Without this document the landlord will be unable to prove damage to their property if the tenant disputes the claim. Conversely it protects the tenant from any unreasonable or unwarranted claims made by the landlord.
The inventory and schedule of condition should be drawn up by a professional inventory provider – whether an independent body or a member of the agency staff – who has been trained to provide an unbiased and detailed document that, may be relied upon by an adjudicator in the event of a dispute. You are advised to use a member of the Association of Accredited Inventory Providers (APIP); Gallant Richardson currently have two qualified APIP members website – WWW.apip.org.uk