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Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme
On the 6th April, 2007 the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme came into effect. Essentially this scheme protects the Tenant from the Landlord or his Agent unfairly withholding a tenancy deposit (bond). But, likewise, the Landlord also needs some way of protecting his property from negligent or wilful damage caused during a tenancy.
An Inventory Clerk
An Independent Inventory Clerk is an independent assessor. They should have no vested interested in the property nor have anything other than a professional relationship with either Landlord or Tenant. The Clerk should be impartial and ensure that all reports prepared for the tenancy are unbiased.
Inventory Report (Make/Compilation)
The only fair way around The Tenancy Deposit Scheme is to have a full, professional Inventory compiled (an Inventory 'Make') at the start of the tenancy. This Inventory should be a clear, definitive Report, detailing the property and its contents in minute detail. Ideally a fresh, updated Report should be made available to both parties within one week of the tenancy commencing. The opportunity for both parties to make further observations which may have been overlooked at the time of Inventory compilation, in writing, is acceptable practice, within a reasonable time span (ideally within one week).
Check In Report (Schedule of Condition)
Alongside the compiled Inventory, there is a separate Report. The Check In, where a Schedule of Condition is filled in. This is signed by the Landlord and Tenant if present (or their Representative). If either or neither are present, the Clerk will sign on their respective behalf. This Report gives an overall view of the property - the general Decorative Condition, The standard of Cleanliness - windows, curtains/blinds, carpets, hard/wood flooring, upholstery, linen etc. On this Report, the Meter Readings will be logged along with Keys supplied.
Inventory Check Out Reports
Inventory Check Outs are again an impartial report. This time, the Clerk carefully compares the condition of the property and it's contents against the detailed incoming Inventory Report. At this stage, the Clerk will make notes as to what is a Maintenance Issue (Landlord's responsibility), a Dilapidation Charge/Replacement Issue (Tenant's responsibility) or what is Fair Wear and Tear/To Be Noted Issue. They will also compare the property against the Schedule of Condition and advise the property to be returned in a similar condition to as Check In. i.e. If the property was not professionally cleaned for the tenancy, then the Tenant does not have to have it professionally cleaned when they vacate.
Unbiased Inventories
Unbiased Inventories have been forerunners in the Inventory Business for over 15 years. They work closely with Lettings Agents, Landlords, Tenants, Relocation Agents, Developers etc
The majority of our work is in Central and West London but works can be carried out within close proximity of London.
A company with an excellent record of providing clear written, easy to follow Reports. All paperwork is scanned into our system for future reference and all photographs, documents, and relevant paperwork stored for a minimum of seven years.
We aim to work with our clients and are happy to accommodate where possible. Some people like emailed reports, others hard copies - some a mixture of both! Many of our clients have been with us since the early days, working together, as a team to ensure that a tenancy goes as smoothly as possible.
Unbiased Inventories supports AIIC (The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks), having been an Executive Member for many years. This organisation has tirelessly promoted Inventory Clerk Standards and has spent many many hours working with ARLA (Association of Residential Lettings Agents) among other organisations associated with the residential lettings market.
Still Not Convinced?
Indeed….'Although it is not a legal requirement to complete an Inventory, Communities and Local Government wants to see the continued use of Inventories as standard good practice to reduce the potential of a dispute at the end of the tenancy…'
Government Tenancy Deposit Protection Site
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