Landlord Inventory Checks
Independent property inventory reports for landlords and letting agents. Detailed check-in, check-out and interim inspections with dated photographic evidence — essential for deposit protection and dispute resolution.
Landlord Inventory Check
Our Home Surveyor & Property Valuer Accreditation & Professional Membership
Our Landlord Inventory Checks are carried out by qualified surveyors who belong to the professional bodies that set UK property standards. Every report is prepared to recognised guidance and is completely independent, so you can rely on the findings when you buy, sell or value a home.
What Are Landlord Inventory Checks?
An independent inventory check provides a detailed, room-by-room record of a rental property's condition, contents and cleanliness at a specific point in the tenancy. It is the key document in any deposit dispute and is required by all tenancy deposit protection schemes.
What We Record
- Condition of walls, ceilings, floors and woodwork in every room
- Fixtures and fittings: kitchen units, bathroom suites, built-in storage
- Floor coverings: carpets, vinyl, laminate, tiles — condition and cleanliness
- Appliances: make, model and condition of white goods provided
- Windows, doors and locks — operation and condition
- Gardens, outbuildings, parking and external areas
- Meter readings (gas, electric, water) at check-in and check-out
- Keys, fobs and access devices issued to the tenant
Why Independent Reports Matter
- Independent reports carry more weight in deposit disputes than landlord-prepared inventories
- Tenancy deposit schemes (TDS, DPS, mydeposits) require impartial evidence
- Dated photographic evidence is difficult to dispute
- An independent clerk has no interest in the outcome — their report is seen as neutral
- Saves you time — the inventory is detailed, complete and professionally presented
Which Service Do You Need?
Check-In Report
- Prepared at the start of a tenancy
- Establishes the baseline condition
- Tenant signs to agree the condition
- Protects against end-of-tenancy disputes
- Should be done before the tenant moves in
Check-Out Report
- Prepared at the end of a tenancy
- Compared against the check-in report
- Identifies new damage, missing items and cleaning issues
- The key document in any deposit deduction
- Should be done after the tenant vacates
Interim Inspection
- Mid-tenancy condition check
- Identifies maintenance issues early
- Verifies the tenant is maintaining the property
- Often required by landlord insurance
- Recommended every 3–6 months
What Is Included in Every Report
Room-by-Room Detail
Every room, hallway, landing and external area assessed individually with condition ratings for walls, ceilings, floors, fixtures and fittings.
Photographic Evidence
Dated, high-resolution photographs of every room, key fittings and any existing damage, marks, stains or wear — leaving no ambiguity.
Appliance Schedule
Make, model and condition of all white goods and appliances, with photographs of serial numbers and any existing damage recorded.
Meter Readings
Gas, electricity and water meter readings recorded with photographs at check-in and check-out so utilities can be correctly apportioned.
Cleanliness Assessment
Overall cleanliness assessed against an objective standard — professionally cleaned, domestically clean or below standard.
Digital Report
Searchable PDF report suitable for submission to tenancy deposit protection schemes, emailed within 48 hours of the inspection.
How Our Inventory Service Works
Booking
Contact us with the property address, the type of report you need and your preferred date. We confirm within 24 hours.
Inspection
We attend the property — typically 1–2 hours for a standard property — and record the condition of every room in detail.
Report Production
The report is compiled with photographs, condition ratings and meter readings. Quality checked before issue.
Delivery
Report emailed to you within 48 hours of the inspection. Available for tenant signature and deposit scheme submission.
Landlord Inventory Questions
Is an independent inventory report really necessary?
If you take a tenancy deposit — which almost all landlords do — you are required to protect it in a government-authorised scheme. If there is a dispute about deductions at the end of the tenancy, the scheme's adjudicator will ask for evidence of the property's condition at check-in and check-out. A professionally prepared, independent inventory with dated photographs carries far more weight than a landlord's own notes or a few phone photographs. Without one, you are at a significant disadvantage in any dispute — and you may be unable to make deductions at all.
Can the tenant dispute the check-in report?
Yes — and they should have the opportunity to. We recommend you give the tenant a copy of the check-in report within 7 days of the start of the tenancy and ask them to sign and return it, noting any disagreements. Most tenants will agree with the report's findings because it is detailed and impartial. If they dispute a specific point, you can discuss it and, if necessary, we can revisit to clarify. The key is that the baseline is established early — disputes at check-out are much easier to resolve when there is an agreed check-in report.
How quickly can you attend for a check-out?
Check-out reports are time-sensitive — you need the report before you release the deposit, and the property may need to be re-let quickly. We aim to attend within 48 hours of your request, subject to availability. If you know the check-out date in advance, book early to secure your preferred slot. We can often accommodate same-week requests but the more notice you give, the better.
Do you also do inventory reports for commercial properties?
Yes. While most of our inventory work is for residential tenancies, we also prepare condition schedules for commercial leases — recording the condition of offices, retail units and industrial premises at lease commencement and lease end. Commercial lease dilapidations can involve substantial sums, and an independent condition record at lease start is your best protection against a dilapidations claim at lease end.
Protect Your Rental Property
Book an independent inventory report for your next tenancy. Reports from £95 — delivered within 48 hours.
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