INVENTORY & CHECK IN

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An Inventory Report is a true representation of the property taken before the start of any tenancy. It provides an impartial document that benefits both Landlord and Tenant of the condition of the rented accommodation. 

It is essential that a detailed list of the contents, fittings and fixtures of a property is taken prior to a tenant moving in. This includes meter readings for electricity, gas and water. A detailed Inventory Report will minimise any ambiguity at Check Out. 

All rooms are described with great attention to detail from floor to ceiling with photo evidence. Deposit schemes prefer and favour inventories carried out by a third party, independent inventory specialist as otherwise it can be considered bias and therefore cannot be relied upon. Ballard Property have been member of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) since 2019 and have reported on more than 1000 properties.

The Inventory Report generated will not be a simple yes/no tick-box report, it will include a detailed breakdown on the décor and cleanliness. Any marks will be noted within the condition section of the Report specifying exactly where they are. 

Ballard Property will conduct the Inventory prior to the Check-In appointments, tenants do not need to be present whilst the Inventory is conducted. Ballard Property will meet the tenant on the day their tenancy begins to hand over keys. The Check-in procedure will enable the tenant to understand safety information on stop-cocks, meters, building access codes, allocated parking bays, bin storage, communal spaces and anything of note within the property. Some Landlords provide handover packs to include contact details, guides on using the heating system and unusual features. All Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms should be working at the time Check-In and fitted in the appropriate area.

An Inventory only option can be provided, meaning Ballard Property will not meet with any tenants when the tenancy begins. 

The Inventory Report will be a PDF document and sent via email to Tenant, Landlord and Lettings Agent. All photos are embedded within the report and utilise meta-tags to capture time and date. All relevant descriptions for the property including outside space is included within the report. Ballard Property can make any additional comments to the Inventory Report together where necessary, this must be reported within 7 days of receiving the document. This is conducted to avoid disputes at the end of the tenancy, as the Tenant should be fully aware of the condition of the property when he/she begins their tenancy and so should return the property to a similar state at the end of their tenancy. 

The Inventory should be carried out in the condition it will be handed over to the Tenant. Any retrospective cleaning, gardening or decorating will be not shown in the report if it occurs after the Inventory has taken place.