What Is a Property Check-In Inventory?
A property check-in inventory is a comprehensive, independent record of the condition and contents of a rental property at the very start of a tenancy. Produced by a professional inventory clerk before a new tenant moves in, it documents the state of every room, fixture, fitting, and item of furniture — supported by timestamped photographs — and establishes the agreed baseline against which the property will be assessed at the end of the tenancy.
Without a thorough check-in inventory, landlords have no objective evidence to support deposit deductions, and tenants have no protection against unfair claims. A professional check-in report from No Letting Go removes ambiguity and provides a clear, court-admissible record that protects everyone involved.
What Does a No Letting Go Check-In Report Include?
Our check-in reports are detailed, structured, and produced to the highest professional standards. Each report covers:
- Room-by-room condition assessment — walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and built-in features recorded in full
- Furniture and contents schedule — every item listed, described, and photographed
- Appliance condition — including white goods, heating systems, and any landlord-provided equipment
- Cleanliness standard — the level of cleanliness at the start of the tenancy recorded precisely
- Meter readings — gas, electricity, and water readings taken and recorded at the time of check-in
- Key handover — all keys, fobs, access cards, and alarm codes logged and signed off
- Tenant sign-off — the report is shared with the tenant for review and digital agreement
The completed report is delivered digitally via our proprietary reporting platform, providing an easy-to-navigate document with photographs linked directly to the relevant items and rooms.
The Check-In Appointment: What to Expect
Our check-in appointments are designed to be thorough yet efficient. A No Letting Go inventory clerk will attend the property — ideally before the tenant moves their belongings in — and carry out a systematic inspection of every area. The clerk will work through a structured schedule, noting the condition of every item and taking photographic evidence throughout.
Once the inspection is complete, the tenant will be invited to attend the end of the appointment for a key handover. They will receive the digital report to review, and can add their own comments or flag any discrepancies before signing to confirm agreement. This collaborative process helps establish trust between landlord and tenant from the very start of the tenancy.
Digital Check-In and Remote Sign-Off
For landlords and agents who prefer a contactless approach, No Letting Go offers a fully digital check-in and sign service. Rather than attending in person, tenants can review the completed inventory report online and provide their digital signature remotely using our secure DigiSign platform. This is particularly useful for new tenants who are relocating from another area, international tenants, or in situations where a socially distanced process is preferred.
The digital sign-off creates a legally recognised electronic record that carries the same weight as a physical signature — ensuring the check-in process is complete, documented, and fully defensible.
Right to Rent Checks and Compliance Assistance
In addition to the standard inventory report, No Letting Go can assist with compliance requirements at the start of a tenancy. Our clerks are able to support right to rent checks, ensure meter readings are properly documented for utility providers, and record the condition of any safety certificates or documentation present at the property. This added layer of compliance support helps agents and landlords ensure every legal obligation is met at the point of tenant move-in.
Why the Check-In Inventory Sets the Foundation for the Tenancy
The check-in inventory is arguably the most important document in a tenancy. Everything that follows — mid-tenancy inspections, deposit negotiations, and the final check-out — is referenced against this baseline. An incomplete, inaccurate, or landlord-produced inventory is unlikely to be accepted as objective evidence in a deposit dispute, whereas an independent, professionally produced report from No Letting Go carries significantly greater weight.
Investing in a professional check-in inventory at the start of every tenancy is the single most effective step a landlord or letting agent can take to protect their property and avoid costly disputes.
Nationwide Coverage
No Letting Go’s network of professional inventory clerks covers the whole of England and Wales, with over 80 branches available to serve landlords, letting agents, and property management companies. Whether you need a single check-in for a residential flat or a programme of check-ins across a large managed portfolio, we have the capacity, consistency, and expertise to deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the tenant have to sign the inventory at check-in?
Tenants are encouraged to review and sign the inventory, but are not legally obliged to do so. However, a signed inventory carries greater weight in any subsequent deposit dispute. Our DigiSign service makes it easy for tenants to review and sign digitally at their convenience.
When should the check-in take place?
The check-in should ideally take place on or just before the tenancy start date, once the property has been professionally cleaned and before the tenant has moved any of their belongings in. This ensures the report reflects the exact condition of the property at handover.
What happens if a tenant disputes something on the check-in report?
Tenants can add comments to the digital report before signing. Any agreed amendments are recorded within the document, giving both parties an accurate, mutually agreed record of the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy.
Can I use a check-in report I produced myself?
A landlord-produced inventory may be challenged in a deposit dispute as it is not considered independent. An independently produced report from a professional clerk provides a far more robust and credible evidential basis.
