The Benefit Of End Of Tenancy Reports For Agents

A report by The Dispute Service indicates that 2020 witnessed an increase in the proportion of disputes raised by tenants from 67.4% in the previous year to 74%*. To avoid the potential for disputes over deposits, it’s in the best interests of all parties to have the right tools in place to effectively manage the end of a tenancy. 

What causes end of tenancy disputes

According to the report, the most common reasons for tenancy deposit disputes claims in 2020 were:

• Cleaning 42%
• Damage 40%
• Redecoration 35%
• Rent arrears 15%
• Gardening 11%

Assessments of such issues can seem subjective to a tenant, but using evidence from a clearly defined inventory can build the basis of a more objective, and therefore fair, approach to avoiding or resolving a conflict between landlords and tenants.

End of tenancy inventories

At the beginning of a tenancy, it’s essential to ensure that tenants understand the agreement they sign and their obligations throughout their tenancy with regards to the care of the property and facilities. But even when this is done, without a detailed inventory at the start of the tenancy, agents will still get into difficulties when agreeing on the need for deductions from deposits. A comprehensive inventory report should then demonstrate a fair assessment of the state of a property at the end of a tenancy. It can include photos and detailed text defining the condition of a specific item to remove any ambiguity of the assessment. This will offer clarity to a tenant over why a decision has been made to make a deduction from their deposit.

To support the inventory further in the end of tenancy agreement, additional reports can be beneficial:

• Pre-checkout Inspections detailing Dilapidations
• Mid-term property inspections  
• Check-In Services

This range of reports collated on the Kaptur tool builds up a complete picture that supports the assessment made at the end of the period. Documentation collated throughout the tenancy is stored in a single location for easy reference, and end of tenancy reports can be completed and quickly distributed to all parties for review.

Experience with supporting the tools 

Completing any property inventory successfully depends upon the person’s experience to make a fair assessment, which comes from experience in working with agents, landlords and tenants. The ability to build good relationships and trust with all parties is essential and goes a long way in helping secure a smooth transition at the end of a tenancy. This process starts at the beginning of the tenancy, with check-in services offering a great opportunity to educate landlords and tenants about expectations under the tenancy agreement.

Disputes about deposits take time and money to resolve and can harm the reputation of all parties concerned. Having the right end of tenancy tools managed by experienced property management professionals will help avoid these disruptions.

No Letting Go: your letting partner

If you would like to discuss how our local support or national network at No Letting Go could become your property inventory  partner, streamline your cost and reduce workload then contact No Letting Go today