The Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme was introduced in 2007 to ensure that tenants’ deposits are protected and that landlords can fairly claim for damage or loss to their property. It is essential that there is agreement at the start of the tenancy between the landlord and the tenant on the contents and condition of the property in order to avoid dispute at the end of the contract.
An inventory is a detailed list of contents, fixtures and fittings, supported by digital photographs and signed by both parties. It provides a concise condition of the property and its contents at the time of check in and ensures that the property is returned in the same state, allowing for reasonable wear and tear.
The inventory must always be carried out by a third party, independent inventory specialist in order for it to be an unbiased report. In the eventuality of a dispute at the end of the tenancy, the inventory can then be referred to and used as a reliable source of proof of condition.
