1. Don't need an inventory if the property is unfurnished
A property inventory is a comprehensive report of everything at the property as well as it’s condition. Not only would it include furniture items at the property, but also everything the property is made up of such as the walls, skirting and flooring. Damage can not only happen to removable items but to anything within a property so it is important that these things are referenced in the report. Alterations or damage can occur to any area of the property therefore if the landlord does not have evidence of how the property was when the tenants moved in, then he or she could end up paying out of their own pocket for these damages and repairs.
2. It's ok to do the inventory myself
While technically, it is ok for a landlord to do the inventory themselves, the TDS state in their “Code of Recommended Practice” booklet that “it is best practice for the landlord to have an independent check-in inventory and check-out report conducted”. If a landlord opts to do it themselves, a tenant could claim that there is a conflict of interest or bias which would may make it harder for the landlord to prove that the inventory is reliable. Having an independent inventory clerk carry out the inventory and check out irradicates any potential risk of bias.
3. Tenants will be liable for the full cost if they break something
This is something many landlords are not aware of and the answer, in most cases, is that the tenants are not. Wear and tear is something that needs to be taken into consideration when proposing a cost to the tenants as a landlord needs to avoid “betterment” (using the tenant money to improve areas of the property such as charging the tenant the full cost of a replacement mirror or one that was 5 years old). More detail on this particular topic can be found in the Grade A Inventories blog “How To Calculate Fair Tenancy Deposit Deductions”.
4. A simple list is fine
A property inventory needs to be as detailed as possible to avoid any doubt over the contents of the property and its condition. More detail is needed than simply listing items at the property or using very basic descriptions when it comes to determining whether a tenant is liable to pay compensation, without any uncertainty or doubt. If an adjudicator has any doubt, then it may be likely they will not award any compensation to the landlord which could end up being very costly.
5. Just taking photos will suffice
Inventorybase once stated that “ultimately, the photos in a report are merely supporting evidence and cannot replace a comprehensive, clearly written inventory. It is very tempting to place the onus on the photographic evidence, but this is not the way to compile a professional report”. The photos within an inventory are there to support the written text and add additional evidence. Photos may also not able be able to show subtle but important detail such as cracks in worktop, grime, or any odours. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme have a document with more detail on the supply of supporting imagery for an inventory https://www.tenancydepositscheme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Use_of_photographs_videos_and_DVDs.pdf