Property inventories are written documents that give a comprehensive report on the condition and contents of a property. They can be used in a court of law as evidence if a dispute arises between a landlord and tenant. It is imperative therefore that a signed inventory is properly documented at the beginning of the tenancy in order to help resolve any future disputes if they arise. The following are the top three tips that you should do if you want to avoid a tenant landlord dispute in cases of property damage.

1. Do write the inventory – The next most important document between the landlord and tenant after the rental agreement is the written inventory. Some landlords fail to have a written inventory and this is never a good idea. Landlords should always a have a written record of the condition and contents of their property at the time the tenant moves in. Without a written inventory the potential for conflict is greater as it will rely on people’s memories what the property condition was at the start of the tenancy.

2. Take detailed records of everything that you consider important – An inventory should contain a detailed account of all the items that are in a property such as the furniture and electrical items. In addition to removable items the inventory should also contain detailed records of fixed items. This will include things such as the condition of the flooring, walls, ceilings, windows and other items that are fixed into or part of the property structure.

It is a good idea to take photographs since images together with written text will give a stronger analysis of the state of the property. The inventory should be as comprehensive as possible to remove any ambiguities. Greater detail and attention in the report should be given to anything in the property that you consider important. This may be anything that is expensive or valuable or things that do not have much monetary value that you consider important.

3. Use a professional property inventory services provider – Landlords can compile property inventories themselves, however, compiling an inventory can be a laborious task. It involves a keen eye for detail and the process of producing a comprehensive report takes time. Landlords who do not wish to use their time in this way can outsource this job to a specialist property inventory services provider. They will have inventory clerks who specialises in this role and produce property inventories to a professional standard. Another advantage of using a property inventory services provider is that they are independent and impartial and can therefore mediate and resolve matters between the tenant and landlord regarding property issues.