Just moved into a new property? Read our guide to completing and signing your inventory
Moving into your new home is an exciting time and you’ll have plenty going on, but once you've got the keys, it’s really important that you and your letting agent agree the condition of the property on arrival in order to avoid any disputes over damages and cleaning when you eventually move out. It may not be at the forefront of your mind at the start of your tenancy, but it certainly will be when you’re looking to receive your deposit back at the end, so be sure to get it right from the get-go. We can’t stress the importance of this document enough. Essentially, it’s the only thing we can rely on to decide on any deductions from your deposit when we do your check-out inspection, so it needs to be spot on.
When you collect your keys, you’ll be provided with a copy of your property’s inventory (sometimes known as a ‘schedule of condition’). The inventory will detail everything included in the house and its condition. You’ll be asked to book a check-in inspection where a member of staff will visit your home to go through any issues you may have noticed in the first few days of occupying. It’s at this time we’ll also collect the inventory from you, which you’ll need to sign. This needs to be done within 14 days of you collecting your keys. Prior to the appointment, it’s up to you to make amendments to the inventory, so any marks, scuffs or dents you’ve noticed, be sure to note them down. The more detail the better!
To ensure nothing is missed, we’ll insist that prior to the check-in appointment you spend some time reviewing your inventory. Walk around each room and check each item against the list; making notes as you go. This can take longer than you think, so make sure you set aside some time as we won’t be able to do this with you at your check-in appointment. Too many times we hear tenants say “I didn’t think that was substantial enough to note down when I moved in” when discussing damage at their check-out inspection, so don’t hold back; there’s no such thing as being too picky when it comes to annotating your inventory.
Don't forget photos!
Is there anything else you can do to avoid any disputes arising over pre-existing damage when you move out? Absolutely! In addition to completing your inventory accurately, we’d encourage you to take photos of the property when you move in and keep them for reference just in case. Make sure your photos are dated so they can be relied upon as evidence if needed.
In our experience, the lack of a solid inventory is the biggest contributing factor to an end-of-tenancy bond dispute. We don’t want you losing your money unfairly, but we need your input in ensuring we have the evidence to avoid this. In short, your inventory is certainly worth spending some time on!
If you're interested in renting a property in Cardiff, browse through our selection of properties available to rent today. If you'd like more information, or to book a viewing, get in touch with our lettings team on 02920 668585, email: enquiries@cpshomes.co.uk, or pop into our Cathays office on Woodville Road.
