Category Inventory

A property inventory is a very important document to have, whether you are a tenant looking to move into a rented place or a landlord who wants to protect his or her investment. Even though most landlords know how important they are, many tenants don’t care about them. This is a mistake that could cost you in the long run; there are many reasons why an inventory is important.

Who Conducts The Property Inventory?

A landlord, a letting agency, or an independent inventory clerk can all create an inventory. To be sure you’re working with a reliable company, look for an independent inventory company that has plenty of experience – just like Looksy Inventories. 

Both parties must sign the inventory report to certify that they agree with its contents, which is normally completed on the day of move-in. If the contents of the property are valuable, the report’s level of detail will reflect that. Photographic proof and written record are both acceptable.

Landlords should be mindful that if there is a disagreement, doing their own inventory might generate complications. The TDS would always prefer expert inventories over those done by the property owner.

Why Is An Inventory Important?

By taking an inventory, both parties can get a good idea of how the property is in its current state.

The property inventory will point out any areas that need to be fixed and say who is in charge of fixing them.

Having the document on hand will help tenants know exactly how to return the property to the landlord and give them an idea of how to take care of the home.

Inventory reports make it easy to tell the difference between damage and normal wear and tear.

Property inventories help both the landlord and the tenant protect their money.

When the tenancy is over, there are less likely to be problems if the inventory is done well.

But if there is a disagreement, having an inventory will help make sure the right decision is made.

Contact Looksy Inventories to find out more.

When it comes to presenting their property to the market, landlords who opt to lease their housing furnished must make some significant considerations. How can you invest in trendy decor and appealing furnishings that will attract great tenants without eroding your profit margin? Let’s investigate more.

What’s The Target Market?

Tenants looking for furnished apartments are most usually young individuals or students, or corporate professionals looking for short-term rentals. These are persons who don’t (yet) have any household items that need to be accommodated, or who are searching for temporary housing away from their primary residence.

If you furnish your rental property, you will be needed to supply basic items such as beds and clothing storage, a couch or other living room furniture, a dining table and chairs, and window decorations and floor coverings throughout the property. A hob/oven and fridge are regarded as basic in the kitchen, and a washing machine is extremely desired.

Some candidates may desire to bring an item or two with them. That might be an acceptable compromise if you can be adaptable to the wishes of what seems to be a high-quality renter. However, keep in mind that you may pay extra fees for storing unnecessary furniture when your furnish your rental property.

Balancing Style And Practicality

The first rule when you furnish a rental property is to leave your own taste at the door. This is not the time to experiment with the current colour trends, nor is it the place for statement wallpaper, much alone superfluous trinkets. Choose a neutral colour palette that will appeal to a wide range of preferences, and create a smart, unified design with matching furniture – a basic style with clean lines will suit you well.

Be very cautious while saving money by acquiring mismatched second-hand things for your rental apartment. Unless you have a keen eye for interior design, old furniture is likely to disappoint you and is nearly always a waste of money.

When it comes to furniture and furnishings for rental houses, rule number two is that practicality rules supreme. Divan beds are more durable than bed frames, and if you can obtain one with storage below, that’s even better – you may need less cabinet space elsewhere. Mattresses have a lifetime of around 7 years under typical household settings, however some tenants may request a new one (or bring their own) before moving in.

Your upholstery textiles and soft furnishings must be durable, simple to clean, last a long time, and blend in. Avoid fragile textiles and bright colours that tend to stain. Many sofa and armchair collections feature detachable, washable covers that don’t need professional upholstery cleaning, which may save you a lot of money. Remember that all furniture and furnishings must be labelled with fire safety information.

Carpeting your rental property can be a costly endeavour, therefore it is critical to maximise your investment. Select a carpet that guarantees strength and longevity, can tolerate strong household usage, is stain-resistant, and is simple to maintain. Neutral mid-tones are the most effective in ‘hiding dirt.’ Nylon and polypropylene carpets are less expensive and many are bleach cleanable, but wool carpets are more expensive to install and maintain.

Maintain your rooms clutter-free, and provide crucial pieces of furniture that are in excellent condition and coordinate. Fitted shelves and cabinets may be more expensive at first, but they have a longer lifetime and are much simpler to maintain than freestanding equivalents. Remember that every item will need to be cleaned, maintained, and eventually replaced. The more goods there are, the more expensive it is to maintain them.

Don’t Take Your Eye Off The Budget

The expense of outfitting a rental apartment can quickly add up. However, if you cut too many corners, the property’s desirability will suffer, resulting in less demand and lower monthly rent. It is preferable to save money by eliminating superfluous accessories and taking advantage of special deals, interest-free financing, or cost-effective landlord furniture bundles.

Compare the cost of equipping your rental home to the recurring cleaning, repair, maintenance, and replacement costs that you will undoubtedly pay during and between leases. You should also account for your (or your agent’s) time in dealing with furnishing-related callouts. If the stove suddenly fails or the curtain rail falls from the wall, you will not only be the first to know, but you will also be expected to address the issue quickly.

The Power Of The Inventory When You Furnish Your Rental Property

Finally, make it a top priority to do a thorough inventory of the property’s items before a new tenant comes in and again before the same renter goes out. 

Depending on the duration of the rental, you may opt to visit the property more regularly – say, every three months – to identify and address any evident symptoms of damage as soon as feasible.

The inventory, also known as a Schedule of Condition, is a complete written list that covers all of the property’s contents and their condition, and can include images and videos — here’s one example. This agreement serves as the foundation for any damages for which you may be reimbursed. If any damages occur during the lease, estimates for repair or replacement, as well as information of any deductions from the tenant’s deposit, should be communicated to the tenant.

Whatever your degree of investment in equipping your rental flat, the inventory is a critical tool for resolving any fights or disputes with your tenant over property damage, safeguarding your maintenance and repair budget, and helping to maximise your profit margin.

Renting out property can be a difficult process for both landlords and tenants. A scuffed wall, shattered glass, or damaged carpet may all cost the renter a significant portion of the deposit. The landlord might believe that money must be spent on the property before it can be leased again. What is the solution? From check-in through check-out, it’s best to use a professional inventory clerk Tunbridge Wells. This protects the tenant’s deposit as well as the landlord’s property, saving both parties time, trouble, and money.

What Is An Inventory Clerk?

Inventory clerks are experts who take thorough notes on the condition and contents of a property before a landlord rents it out. The clerk may conduct mid-lease inspections on the property and will return after the tenancy terminates to compare the original state to the end-of-tenancy condition. The tenant’s whole deposit is normally returned based on the condition in which he or she leaves the property, barring normal wear and tear. Therefore, a good inventory clerk Tunbridge Wells or wherever the property might be can be vital.

What Is Noted On An Inventory?

An inventory is a legal record that should be detailed. This is in both the tenant’s and the landlord’s best interests. If everything is documented in a precise and efficient way in the first place, there will be fewer difficulties after the tenant leaves the home. When the tenant moves into the property, both the landlord and the tenant should agree on the inventory.

The inventory should contain a list of everything that is included with the property. To mention a few, this comprises the doors and locks, ceiling, walls, light fittings, floors and carpets, curtains and blinds, smoke detectors, door frames, plug outlets, cabinets, doorknobs, extractor fans, and heating equipment.

In addition to these fixtures and fittings, any furniture owned by the landlord should be included, along with descriptions of its condition. It is critical to mention any marks, chipping, or damage next to each description so that the landlord is not held liable for any damage caused by the tenant and vice versa. Utility data – gas, water, and electricity – are also included in certain inventories. An inventory clerk Tunbridge Wells may also photograph the property digitally.

Who Uses Inventory Clerks?

Inventories are used by landlords and rental companies. If you own property that you rent out to tenants, you should do an inventory before they move in. It’s best to have an independent inventory clerk Tunbridge Wells do the work for you.

Snagging is a service offered by certain inventory businesses. If you are purchasing a new construction property, a professional can inspect it before you move in and address any flaws with the developer or builder. Snagging businesses conduct extensive examinations of new houses and seek resolutions with people accountable for the faults.

Contact Looksy Inventories Today

If you feel you would benefit from the help that an experienced, professional inventory clerk Tunbridge Wells could offer you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. At Looksy Inventories, we are dedicated to providing only the very best work. You can rely on us.

When a tenant moves out, an inventory serves as proof of the property’s condition and contents, which is why it’s an essential step in the leasing process. Let’s look at what exactly makes a good inventory.

What Is An Inventory?

Having an inventory on hand is essential when renting out a home since it will serve as documentation for the state of the house and its contents at the beginning and conclusion of each lease.

Landlords will be provided with an inventory of their property, which will include details on everything from its decor to its furnishings to its belongings to its garden and any outbuildings it has. This thorough record is used at the conclusion of each rental to make accurate evaluations of damage and cleaning concerns that are charged to the tenant.

Deposit scheme arbitrators or a court of law will consider the inventory as key evidence in the event of an end-of-tenancy dispute.

When Do You Need A Good Inventory?

Just before the tenant’s move-in, an inventory should be done. If there is any maintenance or cleaning to be done before the move-in, it should be done before the inventory is conducted.

Why Do You Need An Inventory?

If there are any inconsistencies between the state of the property you are renting out at the beginning and the conclusion of the lease, you as the landlord must have a full report. An inventory has never been more critical than it is now, thanks to the advent of deposit protection schemes. Landlords must secure their tenants’ deposits in an authorised programme when they accept a deposit from their tenants. The inventory will be an important piece of evidence for the adjudicator to evaluate if there is a claim at the conclusion of the lease.

Who Carries Out An Inventory?

A professional inventory clerk should be hired to do the task for you. Because it will be conducted by a third party, you are less likely to run into problems down the road if there is a disagreement.

What Should A Good Inventory Consist Of?

The condition of the walls, sockets, ceilings, and windows should all be documented with photographs as part of the inventory. Equipment such as meters and smoke alarms will be specified. Date and time stamps on the images are preferred.

Who Keeps The Inventory Report?

The tenant must sign a copy within seven working days of moving in to acknowledge the property’s condition. A copy should also be kept by the landlord or managing agency.

Why Is The Inventory Important For Tenants?

The tenant’s security deposit is well-protected thanks to the inventory and check-out reports. The renter’s deposit should be refunded in full if the property is left in the same condition as it was when the tenant moved in (allowing for reasonable wear and tear). Additionally, the good inventory serves as a handy tool for the tenant, who may use it as a checklist to ensure the property is restored to its original state at the conclusion of their lease.

As a landlord, renting agency, or independent clerk, you have a duty to provide an accurate inventory to your tenants. Renter-landlord relations should be improved as a result of this arrangement.

You might be excused for assuming that all property inventory services are the same and that all you have to do is choose the lowest service provider and you’re set.

Of course, that’s not the case at all…

As you are aware from general life experience, standards vary widely from top to bottom in any service business. This is why it’s important to get at least three quotes for anything (including inventories) so you can not only compare costs, but also the quality of the report. Remember, you might want to pay a little more for a better quality report because that report could save you a huge amount of money later on. This brings us to the topic of this blog post; your property inventory and the main reason for having one.

Tenant Disputes Are A Very Real Thing

As a landlord or letting agent, you rapidly discover that not all tenants are made equal. Some are amazing; they take care of the property, pay their rent on time, and if anything does need to be done around the house or flat, they’ll politely request the fixes without leaving things too late and costing you more than you would otherwise have had to spend.

And then there are the other kinds of tenants. They don’t care about the property, they are late with their rent (if they pay at all), and they either constantly demand that you fix minor issues, or they don’t tell you about a problem so that it causes a huge amount of damage.

And this is why you should seek the best-in-class property inventory service rather than the cheapest inventory service, assuming they are two different things (it might be that the best is also the cheapest – it’s certainly possible, as any client of Looksy Inventories knows well). There could be a big difference.

In essence, your property inventory report serves as the basis for your legal defence if you find yourself in a legal conflict with a troublesome tenant. It is your word against your tenants in the absence of such a report.

In any case, if you carefully record the status of your home and its assets with precise photographs and descriptions, then get the tenant to sign off in a mutually agreed-upon contract, your chances of recouping money for damages are much better. Your inventory report is a kind of insurance against any mishaps – intentional or otherwise – that your tenants might fall victim to.

Ask To See An Example Property Inventory Report

Of course, it’s always difficult to break away from your current provider, even if you’re not happy with the price you’re paying or the reports you’re getting. Who knows? You might end up in a worse position if you choose to move. However, it’s entirely possible you’ll be in a much better position – a safer position – if you make the switch too. So what can you do? The answer is to make sure you ask to see an example property inventory report. Any good inventory clerk will have one or more to show you, and you can see exactly what you’ll be getting.

As professional and experienced inventory clerks, we’ve seen many different inventories. Some are a joy to go through and work from when conducting a checkout, for example. Others are scrappily put together, missing many elements, and that makes our job harder, the landlord’s claims more difficult, and the inventory itself worthless.

Make sure your inventory records are always accurate and professional since you never know when they may be needed in court.

If you’re looking for a seasoned property inventory partner, get in touch with us now to see how we can provide you with peace of mind for years to come.

What a strange question, right? How to use your inventory? But it’s not all that strange when you think about it, and that’s exactly what this post will be about. The issue is that most landlords (and tenants) don’t use their property inventory in the right way. They book it and look through it (an excellent start) and then don’t think about it again until after the tenant has moved out.

What landlords (and tenants) really should be doing is looking at that report and any interim reports (also known as mid-term inspections) when the tenant gives their notice to leave the property. Leaving it until after they have gone might be too late. Let’s look into this in more detail.

How To Use Your Inventory As A Reminder

When you think about how to use your inventory, the first thing to consider is that it can be a perfect reminder of the condition the property was in at the start of the tenancy. By reading through it, and by encouraging your tenants to do the same, you’ll get a better idea of what to expect when they leave.

In fact, gently reminding the tenants that they need to leave the property in the same way they were given it, and that all the information they need to enable them to do that is in the property inventory is a good idea. Remind them of this, and also remind them that their deposit relies on them getting this right. The inventory will be the ideal roadmap to help them put things back how they found them, leading to fewer instances where a dispute has to be raised.

How To Use Your Inventory As A Predictor

Another good use for your inventory is to give you an idea of what to expect when the tenant leaves. Although the original inventory won’t necessarily help here, the interim reports will. They will show you how well the tenant is taking care of the property, and you’ll have a prior understanding of what state the property will be in when they leave. If they haven’t taken care of things during the tenancy, it is likely they won’t take too much care when they leave either. However, if the interim inspections have shown they’ve been looking after the place, you probably don’t have too much to worry about (this is not guaranteed, of course, but it’s a good rule of thumb).

Once they have left, no matter what the property is like, you can compare the check-out report to the original inventory and immediately see if there are any issues. This means there will be no delays in any action needs to be taken – remember, if you do nothing, the tenants have a right to their deposit back within 10 days of vacating the property, so if you want to make a claim, you need to do it asap.

Want To Know How To Use Your Inventory? Contact Looksy Inventories Today

At Looksy Inventories, we are experts when it comes to property inventory reports, check-ins, check-outs, and mid-term inspections. We can handle every report you need, and we’ll do it in an unbiased, efficient, professional way. Simply get in touch with us today to book your inventory or to ask questions; we’ll be happy to answer them.

It’s possible that when your tenants move out, you’ll be faced with a long list of repairs and replacements. Even if all it takes is a fresh coat of paint or a few screws to secure some wobbly shelves, preparing the home for the next set of tenants may necessitate investing more time and money on your side. This can include the need to hire an inventory clerk.

Inventory and check-out reports, such as those generated by Looksy Inventories, are essential if your tenants are causing damage or loss to your property and leaving it unsuitable to rent. In order to avoid paying out of pocket, you may use the proof in these documents to legally keep some or all of your tenant’s deposit.

There are a lot of landlords out there who don’t know where to start when it comes to finding how to hire an inventory clerk and a company to handle their property management needs. Read on to find out more.

What Does An Inventory Clerk Do?

Before a home can be rented out, you need to hire an inventory clerk to meticulously document the property’s condition and contents. Whether they are individuals or part of a larger property management company, they provide services to clients.

When a renter moves into a property, an inventory clerk will document the current state of each fixture and meter reading. Afterwards, they will return to inspect the property towards the conclusion of the tenancy period. You might also want to hire an inventory clerk to carry out interim or mid-term inspections.

For the most part, the condition of the rental property when the tenant vacates determines whether or not they get their whole deposit back. When a tenant’s tenancy ends, the inventory clerk and the property management team will serve as unbiased witnesses to any changes within the property.

What Do Inventory Clerks Record?

An inventory report serves as documentation of the property’s condition at the beginning of the tenancy. In addition to the furnishings in the house, this covers everything from the state of the appliances to the condition of the windows, doors and locks to the ceiling and walls to the flooring and blinds.

As soon as a tenant moves into a property, an inventory should be agreed upon and updated, if required, by all parties involved. In order to establish that a property has been damaged and should be repaired from the tenancy deposit, an agreed-upon report will be necessary.

How To Hire An Inventory Clerk

Inventories are used on a daily basis by landlords and letting agencies. A new inventory report is needed for each new tenancy, and this report is often created by an inventory clerk. This person might either be employed by the rental firm or recruited on an independent contractor basis.

Inventory clerks can be found by contacting a lettings agency and asking about their methods, or by performing your own search. Search for inventory clerks in Kent or Sevenoaks or Bromley or Folkestone, and you’ll find Looksy Inventories – as well as in many other places in between. Get in touch today if you need to hire an inventory clerk; we can help you.

As a landlord or even as a letting agent, you might think that hiring an expert inventory clerk to carry out your property inventory reports is a waste of money. After all, you could do it yourself and not have to pay anything – it wouldn’t take long, and it’s just a box-ticking exercise, right?

Wrong.

There is a lot more to property inventory reports than ticking some boxes, and, when done right, it’s a long process, sometimes taking many hours for a larger property. Can you really afford to spend all that time in one house or flat when you have other things to do? Let’s look at exactly why outsourcing your inventory reports is a good idea, and you’ll soon understand why engaging Looksy Inventories to help you is the best – and most cost-effective – thing to do.

Why Outsourcing Property Inventory Reports Is Your Best Option

When a third party carries out your property inventory reports, they will be impartial, thorough, and professional. They are objective. This can be hugely important should anything have to go to adjudication.

Inventory clerks are well-versed in all scenarios and have extensive expertise. We know what to look for.

Expert property inventory clerks are focused on providing inventory reports, interim inspections, check-ins and check-outs, so we are specialised and adept at dealing with a variety of difficult and sometimes strained situations (especially at check out) that agency staff may not be equipped to handle.

Specialists provide high-quality, complete inventory reports that are highly regarded by legal organisations in the event of a dispute.

Inventory clerks have the requisite skills, aptitude, and training for the work, which necessitates a different set of abilities than an agency or landlord.

Inventory clerks are highly trained and work hard to ensure that there are no difficulties with the quality of the property inventory reports so that the adjudicators are satisfied.

Each inventory report may cost up to 50% more if performed in-house – inventory clerks save you time and money with their skilled service.

Professional inventory services reflect highly on agents and landlords and improve their image in the eyes of the general public and business customers.

Professional, complete inventory reports impress landlords and show that the agency is offering a professional service and trying to safeguard the landlord’s property by using the best-qualified employees to prepare and furnish these reports.

External inventory clerks provide agencies and landlords a competitive advantage by freeing up their time and money.

Contact Looksy Inventories Today

To discuss costs, book a report, or to talk more about what we can do, please don’t hesitate to contact Looksy Inventories today. We are ready to help you.

What should landlords do when a tenant moves out? The very nature of the rental market means that no matter how good a tenant might be, eventually, they will want to move on. They might have saved up enough of a deposit to buy their own property, they might need a larger home, or even a smaller one. They might just want a change. 

When this time comes, it is vital to get the property ready for the next tenants as soon as possible so that you are not losing out on the rental income for too long. If you’re wondering what should landlords do when a tenant moves out, here are some tips. 

Inspect The Property 

This is a job that is best done before the current tenant leaves so that if anything needs to be put right, you can discuss it with them. However, if you are unable to do that, you will need to get there and check everything over as soon as you can after they move out. Alternatively, you can hire an inventory company to do the job for you – this can be extremely useful if you live a long way from the property. 

If there are any problems, you will need to discuss these with the tenant. If they cannot put the problems right, their deposit will be required to cover the cost of repairs. Otherwise, the deposit needs to be released back to the tenant within ten days of their leaving date. 

Tidy Up

Depending on how long the tenants lived in the property, another answer to the question of what should landlords do when a tenant moves out is that you may need to repaint the walls, put up new wallpaper, or even replace the carpets. This will often be down to general wear and tear and isn’t the responsibility of your ex-tenants. Ideally, they will have cleaned everything before they went. Still, you may need to look at the end-of-tenancy cleaning prices and hire professionals to make everything look absolutely perfect for prospective tenants. 

You can also dress the property by installing your own furniture. This can help a property rent more quickly as prospective tenants will be able to see how they can make it a home. An empty property can be difficult to rent out. 

Reduce The Council Tax 

Once the tenants move out, they will no longer be paying the council tax on the property, and it will fall to you as the landlord to pay it. You must contact the council involved and apply for a reduced rate if the property is empty. If you don’t, you could be paying hundreds of pounds over and above what you should be. 

Change The Locks 

When it comes to wondering what should landlords do after a tenant moves out, changing the locks is often forgotten. Even if you had the most trustworthy, reliable tenant you could have hoped for, it is still wise to change the locks once they move out. You never know if there is a spare key still around, or if they made copies. Of course, generally, a tenancy agreement will require any copies to be handed in as well, but if they can’t be found, or they have been forgotten, you may simply never know about them. Changing the locks means you can ensure the property is kept safe and that the next tenants are the only ones who have keys. 

If you are a landlord with an unfurnished property to rent out, you might not think that an inventory report will be necessary. After all, the term ‘inventory report’ does make it seem as though it will be a list of everything in the property, and if there’s nothing there… the logic tracks. 

Yet that’s not exactly what an inventory is when it comes to property. It’s how it began, of course, but it has evolved, and now the property inventory is not just linked to items but to condition. This is crucial. A landlord has the right to expect their property to be returned to them in the same state that you rented it out. The inventory report taken before the tenant moves in will be matched to the check-out report, and any differences noted down. It is then between the landlord and the tenant to decide if the problems are large enough to warrant any deduction from the initial deposit. If there is a dispute about the matter, the inventory and check-out reports can be used as evidence, and the TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme) can easily determine who is at fault and whether or not the tenant should receive some or all of their money back. 

So when you ask whether an unfurnished property needs an inventory, the answer is yes. Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but it’s better to have the property inventory and not need it than to need it and not have it. Without an inventory, the tenant will always get their full deposit back since there is just no proof that any changes or damage occurred during their tenancy. 

Other Items In An Unfurnished Property 

You might think that an unfurnished property is completely empty, but that may not be the case. There are other items that you may not have considered, and they include: 

• White good (fridges etc.)

• Doors/door frames

• Windows

• Locks

• Smoke detectors

• Light fittings

• Electrical sockets

• Kitchen and bathroom fittings

Your ‘unfurnished property’ still contains some items, and they must be accounted for. That’s why an inventory report for an unfurnished property is just as crucial as an inventory report for a part or fully furnished property. 

Can You Afford To Take The Risk? 

As a landlord in Sevenoaks or beyond, are you willing to take the risk and not have a detailed, thorough property inventory report carried out by unbiased professionals such as those at Looksy Inventories? Can you afford not to do this? With Looksy and our low prices, it’s easy to choose the right thing; an inventory report on any rental property is worth its weight in gold. 

Contact Looksy Inventories today to find out more and book your inventory. Or pass our details on to your letting agent; we’re more than happy to liaise with them to give you the best service.