Property Maintenance

Inventory & Property Inspections

To document or not to document, that is the question?

There is a terrible misconception in the letting industry that you do not have to document a schedule of condition if your rented property is unfurnished.

The reality is that whether the property is furnished or unfurnished it is imperative to create a document that provides a detailed schedule of condition. Most letting and managing agents will offer this service "in house", however there is a terrible conflict of interest in the event of dispute.

In the UK disputes are very common and in the event that the document has not been created in the correct format and indeed ideally by a professional recognised third party then problems will occur.

At CRPI we as part of our management service will only use accredited AIIC (Association Of Independent Inventory Clerks) to prepare documents and periodically inspect all of our properties.

The AIIC are dedicated to promoting the highest possible standards of accuracy and reliability and have been endorsing high levels of professionalism in the inventory business since 1996.

They are committed to excellence and professionalism in the property inventory process and work hard to ensure that all landlords, tenants and letting agents understand the importance and benefits of professionally completed property inventories.

You will appreciate the value of instructing an expert AIIC independent inventory clerk to avoid unnecessary costs and legal disputes and make every party aware of its responsibilities. You will also have confidence that government regulations are being adhered to and have a professional partner with specialist knowledge.

Many a Judge has sadly had to throw a case out court owing to a poorly prepared document. Take heed: this will invariably be a costly and expensive exercise for a minimal outlay. You are well within your rights to stipulate that an independent inventory clerk be used rather than line the pockets of an agent with an “in-house” service. Independence is key!

It is vital to document from the outset not only condition but also keys, parking fobs, meter readings, etc, to avoid expensive duplication costs, lock changes and utility bills.

It is advisable at the commencement of every new tenancy to create a new "working document" which is acknowledged by the occupant at the point of what is referred to as "check in" and "check out" and as a rule of thumb the landlord will pay for the production of this document and the "check in". Charges are normally based upon number of rooms, gardens, and furniture. Take a look at www.theaiic.co.uk for some pointers.