Smeaton Homes now will only instruct a independent inventory on a landlords property, The importance of a properly completed inventory cannot be underestimated. It must be robust and defensible if it is to be held up as a proper indicator of the facts and therefore viewed as acceptable by an adjudicator or court.

Tenants

• Protection of your deposit
• Objective, unbiased and independently prepared report
• Minimizes Disputes
• Determines a clear agreement from the start of the tenancy of the condition of the property

Landlords

• Protects your investment
• Peace of mind
• Minimizes Disputes
• Determines a clear agreement from the start of the tenancy of the condition of the property

Tenancy deposit protection schemes do not disregard, out of hand, inventories that are not prepared by independent companies or individuals. However, they are likely to place less weight on their contents. It may also be necessary for a landlord to provide more corroborating evidence to show the condition of the property than would normally be required if the process was carried out by qualified and independent inventory clerks. For example, dated photographic evidence is useful to show any change in the property’s condition. This is also true of any check-in/check-out document and process.

Many landlords use their agents to conduct their check-in and check-out inspections. Again these will not be disregarded. However there is an added need to show that the process, and the person undertaking the inspection, was impartial. Adjudicators will take into consideration the general circumstances and relationship between the parties in determining what weight to put on the evidence.

Some agents provide “in-house” services to remedy the potential breach (for example cleaning or repairs). Again, care needs to be taken to show that this process is open and transparent and that the costs incurred are justified.

If these documents have not been independently completed a tenant may be skeptical about them; it is beneficial therefore for the tenant to have been offered the opportunity to view, amend, and sign the documents. If they are not signed by the tenant you should explain why. The tenant does not have to be present at the check-out inspection, and mostly they do not attend. However they are entitled to attend if they want to; if they ask to attend the landlord/agent should take reasonable steps to meet this request. It may be helpful to provide evidence to show that the tenant was provided with details of the check out appointment and invited to attend, but that they did not do so.

So we are now working with established and trusted local Independent Inventory Provider’s who are Full Members of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (www.theaiic.co.uk), And the APIP ( The Association of Professional Inventory Providers) We are now pleased to offer our landlords competitive rates for New Inventories (which include a full schedule of condition) plus Accompanied End of Tenancy Check Outs (with full and comprehensive reports) conducted by an Independent Inventory Clerk thus ensuring that the interests of both the landlord and tenant are best represented. By using an independent and unbiased inventory provider, Smeaton Homes feel that we are able to offer a professional service that establishes an objective outlook on the property condition throughout the entire term of the tenancy.

Ask your self does my current agent use a independent inventory clerk on my property, so are they acting in your best interest?

Please see recent PDF document