Start of a tenancy
It is important for both the landlord and tenant that an inventory of the property is completed at the start of the tenancy. This allows both parties to agree and keep a record of the condition of the property to compare to when the tenancy comes to an end.
There are resources online and the Council recommends that the landlord arrange for a professional inventory clerk to complete the inventory if they are not confident completing it themselves. A professional inventory report guarantees an accurate record of the condition of the property, usually with supporting photographs.
When the Council has provided a deposit bond, the landlord is required to provide a signed copy of the inventory to the Housing Team within 14 days of the tenancy starting. If this signed inventory is not received within 14 days of the tenancy starting, the deposit bond will immediately become invalid.
The Council cannot complete inventories on behalf of the landlord.
Landlords are encouraged to take out their own insurance at the start of a tenancy as a form of protection for their property and their own peace of mind.