Introduction

As 2025 approaches, landlords face a wave of new rental regulations that will reshape the rental landscape. Adapting to these changes is crucial to ensure compliance, protect investments, and maintain positive tenant relationships. Using professional property inventory services is a key step in meeting these new demands. Here’s what landlords need to know to navigate the upcoming changes effectively.

1. Key Regulatory Updates for 2025

  • Renters’ Reform Bill:
    The Renters’ Reform Bill, expected to be fully implemented in 2025, introduces significant changes. These include:

    • Abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, making it harder to end a tenancy without a clear reason.
    • Implementation of a Decent Homes Standard for private rentals, ensuring properties meet higher living standards.
  • Awaab’s Law:
    Named after Awaab Ishak, this new regulation mandates landlords to address damp and mould complaints within strict timeframes, prioritising tenant health and safety.
  • Energy Efficiency Standards:
    Stricter EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) requirements are anticipated, requiring landlords to meet higher energy efficiency standards to legally rent out their properties.

2. Staying Compliant

Landlords can prepare for these changes by taking proactive steps:

  • Stay Informed:
    Regularly review updates from trusted sources, such as government announcements and industry organisations.
  • Utilise Property Inventory Services:
    Routine property assessments and detailed reports ensure landlords stay ahead of regulatory requirements. Property inventory services can identify potential compliance issues, such as damp or poor insulation, helping landlords address them promptly.
  • Improve Energy Efficiency:
    Consider upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and replacing outdated boilers to meet stricter EPC requirements. These improvements not only ensure compliance but also enhance tenant satisfaction.

3. The Importance of Documentation

Thorough documentation is critical for navigating regulatory changes. Professional property inventory services ensure landlords have reliable records of their properties’ condition and compliance with legal requirements.

  • Meeting Compliance Standards:
    Inventory reports help landlords document upgrades, such as energy efficiency improvements or repairs to meet the Decent Homes Standard.
  • Reducing Disputes:
    Detailed property inventory reports, including photographic evidence, provide clarity during deposit disputes or tenant disagreements.
  • Preparing for Inspections:
    With regulations like Awaab’s Law, having well-documented evidence of addressing tenant complaints can protect landlords from fines and penalties.

4. How No Letting Go Supports Landlords

No Letting Go provides expert property inventory services designed to help landlords navigate these regulatory changes with confidence.

  • Damp and Mould Assessments:
    Identify and document issues early to ensure compliance with Awaab’s Law.
  • Mid-Term Inspections:
    Regular inspections provide landlords with the evidence needed to meet Decent Homes Standards and maintain property conditions.
  • Energy Efficiency Documentation:
    Our detailed reports help landlords track improvements and demonstrate compliance with new EPC standards.

With No Letting Go’s comprehensive property inventory services, landlords gain peace of mind knowing their properties are fully documented and compliant with all current and upcoming regulations.

Conclusion

2025 will bring significant changes to the rental sector, but landlords can navigate these updates confidently with the right preparation. By staying informed, prioritising property maintenance, and using professional property inventory services, landlords can ensure compliance, protect their investments, and provide tenants with safe, well-maintained homes.

Partner with No Letting Go for expert support in managing your property inventory needs and navigating the evolving rental landscape with ease.

 

As 2024 draws to a close, landlords should prioritise thorough property inventory reports to protect their investments and plan for the year ahead. These reports document property conditions, minimise disputes, and ensure legal compliance. Here’s why they’re essential.


1. The Role of End-of-Year Reports

End-of-year reporting provides landlords with a clear overview of their property’s condition and helps address outstanding issues. A detailed property inventory report allows landlords to:

  • Document Property Condition: Record wear and tear or damage, ensuring transparency.
  • Plan Maintenance: Identify necessary repairs and upgrades, especially ahead of winter.
  • Ensure Tenant Accountability: Clearly outline tenant responsibilities, reducing disputes.

2. Avoiding Disputes and Protecting Deposits

A property inventory report is invaluable for resolving deposit disputes, providing clear evidence of a property’s condition at the start and end of a tenancy. Professional reports ensure:

  • Transparency: Reduce misunderstandings with tenants.
  • Legal Compliance: Meet requirements for justifying deposit deductions.

3. Preparing for New Tenants in 2025

For properties with tenancies ending in December, an updated property inventory report ensures a smooth transition to new tenants. It helps landlords:

  • Highlight Repairs: Address issues before new tenants move in.
  • Maintain Tenant Satisfaction: Present a well-documented, well-maintained property.

4. Ensuring Compliance for 2025

With evolving rental regulations, a detailed property inventory report supports compliance. It helps landlords:

  • Meet Standards: Document safety features and energy efficiency improvements.
  • Avoid Penalties: Maintain evidence of legal compliance and proactive maintenance.

How No Letting Go Can Help

No Letting Go’s professional property inventory reports provide detailed documentation, photographic evidence, and unbiased reporting. From check-ins to check-outs, we help landlords streamline property management, reduce disputes, and protect investments.

Conclusion

A detailed property inventory report is essential for end-of-year property management. It simplifies deposit claims, supports legal compliance, and ensures your property is ready for the year ahead.
Start 2025 with confidence—schedule your property inventory reports with No Letting Go today.

At No Letting Go, we understand how challenging it can be to manage multiple rental properties. That’s why we offer a full range of property inventory services designed to simplify the process. Our team of professional inventory clerks ensures that your properties are thoroughly documented at every stage, from check-ins to mid-term inspections and check-outs.

1. Leverage Our Inventory Expertise

No Letting Go has years of experience providing comprehensive, unbiased property reports that meet all legal requirements. Our inventory specialists create detailed, standardised reports for each property, ensuring consistency and accuracy across your entire portfolio. These reports document the condition of the property, including fixtures, fittings, and appliances, reducing the risk of disputes and protecting both landlords and tenants.

2. Consistency in Reporting

When managing multiple properties, consistency is key. We follow a structured process to document every aspect of the property, ensuring that reports across all properties are uniform and easy to compare. Whether you’re managing two properties or twenty, No Letting Go provides you with the assurance that nothing will be overlooked.

3. Schedule Regular Inspections

Keeping up with routine inspections can be overwhelming when dealing with multiple properties. We offer scheduled mid-term inspections to help you stay on top of property conditions. These regular assessments help identify issues before they escalate, saving you money on costly repairs and ensuring that your properties remain well-maintained.

Additionally, our end-of-tenancy check-outs provide a detailed comparison with the original inventory, helping to settle disputes regarding wear and tear or damages. Our reports ensure transparency and fairness in deposit deductions, protecting your interests while maintaining good tenant relations.

4. Incorporate Visual Evidence

No Letting Go integrates high-quality photographic evidence into every inventory report. This not only strengthens the documentation but also provides visual proof of the property’s condition at the start and end of a tenancy. In the event of a dispute, these date-stamped images serve as clear evidence, making it easier to resolve any issues efficiently.

5. Outsource to No Letting Go

Managing multiple properties can take up a significant amount of time, especially when dealing with the detailed work of inventory reporting. No Letting Go offers a professional solution, taking the burden off your shoulders. Our team handles everything—from check-ins to check-outs—allowing you to focus on other aspects of property management. Whether you own a few properties or a large portfolio, we are equipped to manage the documentation for you.

6. Stay Legally Compliant

Legal compliance is a top priority in property management, and at No Letting Go, we ensure that every inventory report meets the latest regulatory requirements. From Right to Rent checks to documenting safety features like fire alarms and smoke detectors, our team ensures that your properties are fully compliant with the law, reducing the risk of penalties or disputes.

Conclusion

No Letting Go is here to help landlords simplify their property inventory management process. With our expert clerks, consistent reporting standards, and commitment to thorough documentation, managing multiple properties becomes significantly easier. Let us handle your inventories, so you can focus on growing your portfolio with confidence.

For more information on how we can assist with your property inventory needs, reach out to No Letting Go today!

Keyword: Property Inventory Management

With Awaab’s Law introduced in the Renter’s Reform Bill, landlords are now legally required to respond swiftly to damp and mould complaints. This new legislation underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date and detailed property inventory management. Regular property inspections and thorough reports can help landlords identify issues early, document any existing problems, and ensure compliance with the law. No Letting Go provides professional inventory services, ensuring that properties are inspected for potential hazards, such as damp, before they escalate into legal concerns.

What Is Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law mandates that landlords must address damp and mould issues within a defined period to prevent tenant health risks. The law is named after Awaab Ishak, a toddler whose tragic death was linked to prolonged exposure to mould in social housing. Under the new regulations, landlords are now legally obliged to take tenant complaints about damp or mould seriously and respond quickly, potentially avoiding severe penalties.

Importance of Proactive Property Management

To stay compliant with Awaab’s Law, landlords must maintain regular property inspections and comprehensive property documentation. This is where property inventory management plays a crucial role. Conducting thorough check-ins, mid-term inspections, and check-outs ensures that landlords can detect damp or mould issues early, allowing them to resolve problems before tenants experience health risks.

How No Letting Go Can Help

No Letting Go’s professional inventory clerks can assist landlords with detailed property reports that document the condition of a property from start to finish. Our check-in and mid-term reports flag any potential issues such as damp or inadequate ventilation, providing landlords with the information they need to act swiftly. By having meticulous records, landlords can show they have taken proactive steps, reducing the risk of non-compliance under Awaab’s Law.

Best Practices for Landlords

  • Conduct Regular Inspections: Set a schedule for regular property assessments, especially before and after winter, when damp is more likely.
  • Document Thoroughly: Use professional services to ensure reports capture detailed evidence, including any signs of moisture or mould growth.
  • Act Quickly: Respond immediately to any tenant complaints to avoid legal penalties.

By working with No Letting Go, landlords can ensure they meet the requirements of Awaab’s Law through comprehensive property inventory management, protecting both their properties and their tenants.

Research by Statista, a statistics portal for market data, found more than half of landlords who responded were in disputes with their tenants, the main reasons being arrears, cleanliness, pets, subletting and breakages. Using regular property inventories letting agents can help their landlord clients to avoid such problems.

When should you use a property inventory?

A property inventory provides a detailed report on the contents and condition of a property, listing furniture, fixtures and fittings and alongside the condition and cleanliness.

A property inspection must take place for each new tenancy to detail the condition of the property at the start; at regular intervals throughout the tenancy to record any changes and damages from the check-in inventory; and finally, at the end of the tenancy to assess the property as the tenant departs.

These regular inspections provide a full report of the property’s condition for the complete duration of the tenancy.

Why are property inspections of benefit?

Completing a property inventory might seem like a time-consuming task for a busy letting agent looking after a number of properties. However, a comprehensive inventory process can stop a landlord-tenant dispute from escalating into a legal dispute, which would be far more costly in time and money. A proper inventory system offers other benefits:

  • Essential evidence about the state of the property
  • Crucial evidence if you need to take the cost of a repair or replacement from a tenant’s deposit
  • Claiming on insurance is much easier with inventory evidence
  • A speedy inspection process to reduce the period between tenancies and maximising a property’s income potential
  • Using a standard inventory process ensures that nothing is missed during a property inspection

What does an adequate property inventory look like?

To ensure that a property’s inventory and schedule of condition will be useful to avoid a dispute, it must include:

  • Full contents of the property, fixtures, fittings and state of decoration
  • Details of the condition for each item
  • Photographic, date-stamped evidence
  • A declaration page for relevant parties to indicate their agreement to the contents of the report

It must also be completed in an objective and unbiased way and enable easy comparison between reports to identify any changes in contents or condition. Ideally, a property visit should be completed every three to six months

Disputes between landlords and tenants are time-consuming, potentially costly and can affect the reputation of a landlord and their letting agent. Using an independent inventory service can help boost the credibility of an inventory for tenants because they will see it as being independent.

Discussing the tried and tested landlord inventory service we use at No Letting Go can help letting agents understand how our inventories are structured to facilitate comprehensive property inspections and designed to capture the right information to prevent disputes.

No Letting Go

If you would like to discuss how our local support or national network at No Letting Go could become your property management partner, streamline your cost, reduce workload and keep accurate property inventories the please contact us today.

A report at the beginning of the 2020 year stated that 30% of landlord-tenant disputes were a result of tenants not receiving communications about why their deposit wasn’t being returned. The second most common cause for dispute was cleanliness (23%), and the third was damage to property (18%).

 

What is a property inventory?

A property inventory is a comprehensive report which details the state of your property at the beginning of a tenancy. It provides information on the furniture, fixtures, fittings and general wear and tear. Anything that is damaged or missing can be recorded in front of a new tenant.

Why is an inventory important?

The extensive details recorded in a property inventory provides the evidence to show the contents, condition and cleanliness at the start of the tenancy. A comparison report will be prepared at the end of the tenancy to determine if any damage occurred during the tenancy. This makes it easier to recover costs against a deposit or zero-deposit replacement insurance. Without this crucial evidence, landlords can find themselves liable for the cost of the damage. And on the other hand, without this evidence, a tenant can’t prove they weren’t responsible for some damage.

In addition to helping to place responsibility for property damage, the report also highlights any issues to be addressed at the start of the tenancy and provides tenants with a clear expectation of the state in which the property should be returned.

The benefit to all parties in preventing disputes makes inventory management an essential part of the property letting process and sets the relationship between landlord, agent, property manager and tenant off to a good start.

What should an inventory report include?

A comprehensive inventory report should include the following:

  • A record of meter readings and keys provided
  • The condition and cleanliness of each room, including appliances, fixtures and fittings
  • A record of the condition of the garden
  • A signature from the tenant confirming they agree with the contents of the report
  • A record of the condition of the mattresses (if fully furnished)
  • Date and time-stamped photos of the property and its contents
  • A record of furniture and furnishing fire safety labels
  • Evidence that the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms comply with legislation
  • A record of loose or frayed carpets, cracked glass or windows, missing keys and inoperable locks

Check In – Check Out

As important as the initial inventory report is, a check-out report recording the condition and cleanliness of the property as the tenant departs is equally important. This report, in conjunction with interim checks throughout the tenancy, documents any changes that have occurred to the property. This can be used to evidence to a tenant why deductions had to be made from their deposit. A sequence of reports also provides evidence for legal proceedings in the worst case.

No Letting Go

We offer an independent and unbiased professional reporting service, providing a written and photographic report on the condition of the property and its contents in addition to the standard of cleanliness. If you would like to discuss how our local support or national network could help you with your inventory management please contact us online or find your nearest branch.

London Landlord Deposit Disputes Highest In the UK
When it comes to the end of a tenancy and the return of the tenant deposit, there are plenty of things that can go wrong, wherever your property is based.

However, according to a recent report, London landlord deposit disputes appear to be the highest in the UK.

This blog delves deeper into the reasons behind landlord/tenant disputes in London and what can be done to avoid these disagreements altogether.

 

London Deposit Disputes

According to Property Wire, London is home to the highest cases of rental disputes between landlords and tenants.

This data comes from Ome, a deposit replacement membership scheme, who found that a sizable 37% of all rental disagreement cases last year came from the UK’s capital. London was followed by the South East with 16% of cases and the North West coming in at 11%.

Why London? It could be partly due to the fact that rental prices are far higher, demanding hefty deposits. The greater the sum being argued over, the more likely both parties will want a return on their investment.

 

Common Causes of Deposit Disputes

The data showed that the number one reason for deposit disputes across the majority of the UK, including London, was poor communication. Whereas, in the South East, the most common cause was cleanliness at check out.

Other common reasons for disputes include;

  • Damage to property
  • Cleanliness
  • Missed payments
  • Inventory discrepancies

 

Landlord Deposit Dispute: Wear and Tear

What constitutes fair wear and tear is an issue that often occurs at the end of the tenancy, as the definition can vary from person to person. Our guide on fair wear and tear sets out what is considered to be normal and unavoidable wear and tear and how to help tenants prevent further damage.

 

Landlord Deposit Dispute: Cleaning

Cleanliness at check-out was another common issue when it came to rental deposit disputes last year. This can be avoided through regular property inspections and investing in a pre-check out service.

 

How to Avoid Deposit Disputes

If you’re a landlord or letting agent in London, minimising the chance of disputes will most likely save you time and money in the long term (not to mention stress!)

Here are some of the ways you can avoid a dispute in the first place;

 

Tenancy Deposit Protection

Ensure the deposit is protected in a tenancy deposit scheme as this is a legal requirement. Failure to do so could lead to your tenant demanding a full return of their deposit or more.

 

Tenancy Deposit Return Time Limit

At the end of a tenancy, landlords must return the deposit within 10 days after any deposit deductions have been agreed.

 

Invest in a Professional Inventory Service

One of the most important steps you can take to avoid deposit disputes is by starting the tenancy right with a thorough and professional inventory.

A professional inventory report will set out the condition of the property and its contents at check-in, highlighting any changes at the end of the tenancy. This vital document provides evidence to support you if you need to deduct from the deposit. For example, if there is damage to the property or furnishings beyond normal wear and tear or if there are items missing from the final inventory.

An inventory report signed by the tenant is your best protection if your tenant decides to raise a dispute over deposit deductions. Without it, you are very unlikely to recover the funds for maintenance and repair.

 

Consider a Pre-Check Out Service

Another way to avoid a dispute is to provide tenants with a pre-check out service at the end of their tenancy. As part of this service, a property clerk will visit the property and provide advice to tenants on what maintenance needs to be undertaken in order to have their full deposit returned.

The benefits of a pre-check out service include smoother transitions between tenants, less maintenance needed and therefore less chance of deposit disputes.

 

Regular Property Inspections

Organising regular property inspections to your rental helps to minimise the chance of disputes as experienced clerks can check that the property is being properly maintained by tenants and reduce the chance of damage at check-out.

 

Positive Communications

It may sound obvious, but this is a common problem amongst landlords / letting agents and tenants, particularly in London. A breakdown in communication or negative feedback can lead to a lack of trust and a greater chance of deposit disputes when you reach the end of the tenancy agreement.

To avoid this, it’s best to give a positive first impression to tenants and maintain regular and honest lines of communication.

 

Landlord Deposit Dispute Advice

If issues can’t be solved through direct and honest communications, it may be worth seeking the advice of a dispute resolution service to resolve the issue. An impartial adjudicator will be able to assess the dispute and hopefully come to an agreement that is acceptable to both sides.

If it comes to this, having a detailed inventory report is vital. At No Letting Go, we provide professional inventory reports to landlords, letting agents and property businesses throughout the UK. With expert local branches around the country and the latest property technology at our disposal, we’re experienced at helping property professionals protect their investment.

Find your local London property inventory service here.

Don’t let a deposit dispute affect your business, explore our property inventory service today.

What if you could eliminate the hassle of chasing tenants for signatures with an Automated Check-In Service For Property Management? Obtaining your tenant’s signature is a crucial part of the inventory process. By employing DigiSign’s automated process, you could not only save precious time but also reduce costs.

So, what exactly is DigiSign? And how does this leading automated check-in service offer benefits to landlords and property professionals?

We dive deeper into this service to provide you with a comprehensive overview.

 

What Is DigiSign Software?

Digisign automated check-in is a service that allows us to collect electronic signatures from your tenants. This web-based signing process makes inventory signing and management even easier for all parties, allowing for remote digital signage and automated reminders.

 

How Does DigiSign Work?

Our DigiSign process is simple. The software will send a reminder to your tenant via email or text message, notifying them that they are required to sign the inventory report. As the landlord or property manager, you will also receive a notification for each tenant reminder sent out.

Next, the tenant follows the online link to the electronic documents where they can add their digital signatures at the touch of a button. The tenant is also able to make their own comments and add pictures directly into the report at this stage. This collaborative process can help prevent any disputes over inventories when it comes to the end of the tenancy.

Any additions are verified by us before returning the report to you.

Using the DigiSign service, we can even send automated reminders to your tenant if they fail to sign first time. The method and frequency of these can be tailored specifically to your needs. This completely removes the frustrating and laborious task of chasing tenants for signatures.

If the tenant fails to respond to these reminders, there’s no need to worry. We will deem the report accepted and will notify the tenant.

 

The Benefits of Automated Check-In Systems

This automated inventory service comes with a range of advantages, benefiting both landlord and tenant;

  • Inventories are automatically sent out for signing according to your specific limit
  • You and the tenant can make amendments online
  • Queries can be managed online by us
  • Text or email reminders can be sent out to tenants to speed up replies
  • Tenants are able to sign the inventory remotely, using an online link
  • Increased visibility for landlords, property professionals and tenants throughout the process
  • This flexible system can be tailored to your needs
  • Automation saves time and effort
  • Reduces the chance of human error
  • You’ll never have to chase a tenant for their signature again!

These benefits help to free up your time for more important things, helping you to manage your portfolio with minimal hassle.

Tenant using Digisign automated check-in service outside

Streamlining the Property Inventory Process

Having a detailed, professional property inventory report in place at the start of a tenancy is vital when it comes to protecting your investment and recovering any necessary costs when the tenancy comes to an end.

By making these services as easy as possible through automation, we aim to increase efficiency in your business, helping you on the path to success.

To maximise the potential of property technology, why not take advantage of Kaptur Inventory Software – a program designed with busy property professionals in mind. Kaptur provides the most efficient way to collect, prepare, report on and manage information through its flexible system.

This includes easy user experience, 24/7 customer support and custom reports tailored to you and your business needs. For inventory reports, this means branded digital documentation, embedded photos and professional templates as a start.

 

Why Choose No Letting Go?

Helping landlords, letting agents and property professionals manage their workload and protect their investment is what we do every day.

We offer a range of services to make your life easier, including;

  • 360 virtual photography
  • Floor plans
  • Property appraisals
  • House viewings
  • Smoke and CO checks & reports
  • HHSRS
  • Legionella risk assessments
  • Right to rent checks
  • Mid-term reports
  • Check-out reports
  • Abandonment notices
  • Dilapidations

If you’d like to find out more about our property inventory services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

It’s no secret that lots of students like to party, and if not managed correctly, related disputes can create rifts that are difficult to repair.

It can be a tough balancing act, meeting the needs of your student tenants and keeping the local community happy. That’s why we’ve produced this student landlord advice guide on how to deal with student parties at your rental property without alienating tenants or neighbours.

 

To Ban or Not to Ban

If you’re concerned about your student tenants hosting large parties in your rental property, you could insert a clause into the tenancy agreement banning parties of a certain size. While this helps to deter tenants from hosting massive gatherings that could damage your property, it could prove difficult to enforce.

For lots of tenants, a steadfast rule against parties of all kinds could put them off renting your property in the first place, and this decision will narrow your pool of prospective tenants. However, banning gatherings over a certain size is a sensible idea, especially in suburban areas.

 

Managing the Neighbours

The majority of student accommodation is in busy, suburban areas with convenient amenities close by. While this is great for students, it also means there tends to be a lot of neighbours living within close proximity.

So, if your tenants like to host noisy parties, this can become a problem and damage your reputation as a responsible landlord in the area.

It’s difficult to actually prosecute a landlord for their tenants’ antisocial behaviour, unless you deliberately ignore the problem, or the issue is ongoing. However, staying on good terms with the local community will make your life easier in the long run.

When dealing with noise complaints from neighbours;

  • Make sure the surrounding neighbours have your contact details or the details of the letting agent in case an issue arises
  • Talk to your tenants calmly to get both sides of the story
  • Refer your tenants to the relevant ‘noise’ or ‘nuisance’ clause in the tenancy agreement to explain which one they have broken and why, and the possible consequences if this continues
  • Never threaten eviction as a first reaction as this could backfire on you and damage your landlord/tenant relationship
  • If problems persist, you could arrange a meeting with neighbour and tenant to clear the air and come to a solution
  • As a last resort, you could contact your local council, the police or begin the eviction process

 

Clear and Open Communications

One of the most important pieces of advice we can offer is to retain a cool and clear head when communicating with tenants and to keep interactions open and honest.

If you’re straightforward with your tenants, they’re more likely to be honest back. Make it clear from the start of the tenancy that you are happy to discuss any issues and ensure they have your contact details to hand.

If they feel like you’re on their side, they’re more likely to obey house rules.

 

Choose Simple Party-Proof Furnishings

As wear and tear tends to be higher in student rentals, furnishing a student property with expensive furniture is pointless. This is particularly pertinent when it comes to student parties. With extra bodies in the house and alcohol involved, a plush carpet and glass coffee table aren’t going to stay perfect for long.

Go for simple, more affordable essentials from somewhere like IKEA that won’t cost an arm and a leg to replace if necessary. Wipe clean surfaces and easy to clean lino floors are also a sensible option and will help your tenants stay on top of their duties.

 

Regular Property Inspections

One way to keep an eye on what’s going on in your rental property and help determine if regular parties are taking place is to schedule regular property inspections.

However, you need to ensure the correct procedures have been followed, as there are laws in place regarding the frequency and delivery of landlord inspections.

A professional property inspection will help determine if your property is being appropriately cared for, and whether your tenants are fulfilling their contractual agreements. This could include anything from red wine stains or cigarette burns on the carpets to extra people living in the property. Inventory clerks can even check in with the neighbours to ensure everyone is happy.

 

Is Renting to Students Worth It?

Despite these possible drawbacks, renting property to students can be very rewarding and comes with great benefits;

  • High demand in student towns and cities
  • Short term, set contracts of 12 months
  • Predictable, reliable market
  • Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) offer higher yields
  • Students don’t expect fancy furnishings and are happy with simple amenities
  • Low void periods

 

Protect Your Student Rental Property: Inventory Management

The most important step you can take to protect your student house is to ensure a thorough inventory is taken at the start of the tenancy.

A professional inventory service helps you recover any costs or losses due to damage at the end of the academic year. And that’s where we come in. We’re experienced at working with private landlords and letting agents by providing essential reports and property management services.

From check in to property visits, we’re on hand to make the process as stress-free as possible for landlord and tenant.

Find out how our property inventory services could help you manage your student property.

Anyone who has worked within the lettings industry will understand the importance of a thorough inventory for rental properties.

And when landlords skip this vital step, major issues can occur. If you’re left facing serious damage at the end of a tenancy without the proper reports, you may lose out on thousands of pounds.

We explore the power of inventories by highlighting a recent high-profile case featuring a former pop star and £70,000 worth of damage.

 

Do I Need An Inventory?

Yes, as a landlord or letting agent, it is important to have an inventory report in place to provide the evidence needed if you need to make a claim on the deposit at the end of the tenancy.

Without a detailed inventory, you could be left having to repair damage out of your own pocket. We’ve created a simple guide on the key components to include and why they’re necessary;

 

Property Management Inventory Checklist

An inventory report must include the following key components;

  • A record of meter readings and keys provided
  • The condition and cleanliness of each room, including appliances, fixtures and fittings
  • A record of the condition of the garden, including any damage
  • A signature from the tenant confirming they agree with the contents of the report
  • A record of the condition of the mattresses if fully furnished
  • Date & time stamped photos of the property and its contents

It must also include essential safety points;

  • A record of furniture and furnishing fire safety labels
  • Evidence that the Smoke and CO alarms comply with legislation (working order & correct placement)
  • A record of loose or frayed carpets, cracked glass or windows, missing keys and inoperable locks

 

Check Out Report

In addition to the initial inventory report and schedule of condition that takes place when a tenant moves into a rental property, you will also need a check out report when they move out at the end of the tenancy.

Following the final inspection, the check out report should;

  • Include a detailed record of the condition of the property
  • Clearly show how the property has changed throughout the tenancy (in combination with the initial check in report)
  • Include recommended actions for landlords and tenants

This report provides a vital benchmark to help assess any changes to the property from the start of the tenancy to the end.

If any deposit disputes arise, these reports should provide clear evidence to help landlords get a fair return on any losses or repairs required.

 

Top Reasons for Tenancy Deposit Disputes

Some of the main reason’s disputes occur include;

  • Cleaning 54%
  • Damage 49%
  • Decoration 31%
  • Rent 20%
  • Gardening 16%

 

Dealing with Deposit Disputes

The security deposit taken at the start of a tenancy is considered the tenant’s money. This means that it can be tricky for landlords to withhold the deposit in response to damage or loss without significant evidence.

You will need to prove there is damage to your rental property above normal wear and tear in order to claim on the deposit.

That’s why poorly compiled inventory reports are one of the most common reasons landlords lose disputes.

Tip: Always enter the deposit into a tenancy deposit protection scheme as this is a legally required step!

 

Celebrity Rental Drama: The Power of Inventories

To demonstrate our point, we’ve got a high profile case study in which a property rental disaster was averted thanks to comprehensive inventory reports.

Former En-Dubz star and X Factor Judge, Tulisa Contostavlos was recently ordered to pay over £70,000 worth in damage to the landlord of her former luxury rental property.

Reported damage to the luxury North London flat included a smashed sink, cigarette burns, stains and doors ripped from hinges. Despite arguing that the damage was normal wear and tear, she was ordered to pay compensation, interest and legal costs to her former landlord.

Key to this case was the presence of a thorough and professional inventory and check-out report.

Clearly, a high rental value is no protection against severe damage, so no matter which end of the market you’re positioned in, covering your back is essential if you want to recover your costs.

Looking for help managing your portfolio of rental properties in London? Find a list of our No Letting Go London offices.

 

What is Fair Wear and Tear?

It can be problematic working out what is considered fair wear and tear as it differs case by case. Some examples of fair wear and tear include;

  • Small scuff marks on walls
  • Naturally worn down carpets
  • Frayed fabrics
  • Faded curtains
  • Carpet indentations

However, when we talk about damage this could include;

  • Broken locks or doors
  • Burn marks or large carpet stains
  • Holes in the walls
  • Broken windows or furniture
  • Poorly painted walls

One of the easiest ways to determine the difference is by commissioning a professional inventory clerk to visit the property and make a detailed report, including photographic imagery at the start of the tenancy.

 

How To Protect Your Rental Property from Damage

There are a few more steps you can take to protect your rental property;

Regular Property Inspections

To avoid a similar situation, making quarterly inspections of the property can help encourage tenants to practice good property maintenance.

Target Long Term Tenants

In addition, targeting long-term tenants who are more likely to treat the property as their home will help to avoid intentional damage.

Keep it Simple

Keep decoration simple and ensure your property is thoroughly clean at the start of the tenancy to avoid any future disputes.

 

Avoid the Risks with A Professional Inventory Service

You’ve heard the warning, now it’s time to cover your back. One of the easiest ways to protect your investment as a landlord or letting agent is to commission a professional inventory company to undertake comprehensive inventory reports and checks.

Our independent inventory clerks across the country are experienced at providing essential reports, checks and visits to help you stay protected from move in date up until the end of the tenancy agreement.

To find out how we could help, browse our list of professional property inventory services to get started.