What is a property inventory?

A property inventory is a list of every area of décor, fixtures, fittings and contents of a rental property. It gives a description and statement of condition and cleanliness to each item. It also includes descriptive detail of any gardens, garages, outhouses, sheds, greenhouses etc.

An inventory is an important document, designed to protect both Landlord and Tenant from unreasonable monetary losses at the end of the tenancy period.

It is vital that a property inventory is compiled by a trained inventory clerk, rather than the Landlord. This is to ensure the document remains impartial, fair in it’s descriptions and can be relied upon to have been produced within guidelines recommended by the AIIC (Association of Independent Inventory Clerks), the governing body of independent inventory clerks.

Should a dispute arise at the end of the tenancy period, an arbitrator appointed by the relevant Tenancy Deposit Scheme will wish to see that the inventory has been agreed and signed by both the Tenant and Landlord.