A detailed report by Select Property Inventories will protect the tenant from being penalised for damages that were already in place before they took up their residency. Without a comprehensive report, it’s very easy for the landlord to fabricate claims and blame the tenant.
A tenant should be suspicious if the landlord refuses to get an inventory done by an independent company claiming it’s unnecessary and a waste of money. We would recommend that you have one carried out anyway, to protect yourself from frivolous claims and avoid any disputes or litigation.
Why risk your deposit or a lawsuit when it can be avoided with an inventory report? Once you receive the report you should check through it carefully and notify the landlord. If there are listed items that need to be fixed such as a faulty lock, you want to have it done before you move in!
There are many benefits for a tenant and landlord to have clear documentation which can help promote a healthy relationship between the two parties.
According to mydeposits.co.uk, 40% of tenants do not receive the full deposit back from the Government Protected Scheme and in the vast majority of cases there is an inventory report. If you don’t have any evidence to back your claim, you will inevitably lose your money!