Lack of Inventory - advice appreciated!

foodiestudent

Hi everyone.

Basically, I could do with a bit of advice.

We got the keys to our property on the 17th August, and were told by our agents that the Inventory would follow, as they were waiting for it to be returned by the cleaning company to themselves.

In the mean time, we discovered a couple of problems with the flat - toilet light needed replacing, a wardrobe only had three legs. We reported this to them, and a handyman came to fix them.

After going in a couple of times in person (once being given an inventory from the beginning of 2008, when at least one set of other tenants has lived there during this time), and calling but receiving little help over the phone about where it was or when we'd receive it - mainly at the same time as i'd been calling to ask about getting maintenance done, I'm starting to get concerned. We received a "welcome to your property" leaflet when we moved in, which states that the inventory has to be returned within a fortnight, and that missing or incorrect inventories may affect our deposit return.

Does anyone have any advice as to what we can do? I've drafted an email to their 'regional' email address, basically telling them that if they don't send us one in the next ten days then they're forfeiting their right to use the inventory against us... but can I do this?

I know that I should have probably got this sorted earlier, but for the first month I was living here on my own (my housemate had gone on holiday), I'm in the middle of trying to finish my MSc Thesis and working shifts full-time. It's actually been pretty stressful trying to get them to do the maintainance, let alone give us a blumming Inventory, and I don't want it all to end up meaning we're losing money when the lease ends

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thankyou!!

DVardysShadow

If there is no opening inventory, strangely, it causes you less problems when you leave, because there is nothing to say anything about how stuff was when you started. Just send a letter asking for the inventory, recorded delivery, keep copies and evidence of receipt. Make sure your deposit is protected.

clutton_2

if you want an inventory - write your own and send it to them recorded delivery with an explanation as to why

i would do this rather than ignore it - its easier to have an inventory at the end of the tenancy

DVardysShadow

clutton wrote: »

if you want an inventory - write your own and send it to them recorded delivery with an explanation as to why

i would do this rather than ignore it - its easier to have an inventory at the end of the tenancy

On reflection, I agree. Major on things which you fear you may risk being charged for on exit.

foodiestudent

Thanks guys.
I'll get going round with my clip board and pen!

mr_fishbulb

I never got an inventory. Been there almost 3 years. Bit late to do one now.

clutton_2

dont forget to take photos, and sign the inventory, get a witness to your signature and keep a copy ....

then it will be almost impossible for the LL/LA to argue about repairs at the end of the tenancy

mr_fishbulb

Found this was already discussed and fetured in the MSE weekly email last year:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1070513

theartfullodger

Beware the (very unlikely) attempt at "of we sent you the inventory & if you look it says in the tenancy agreement that unless you comment within 7 days you've accepted it..)...

make your own list of faults, photograph it all in detail, get someone prepared to be a witness to the condition & you'll be fine...

Cheers!

Lodger

poppysarah

foodiestudent wrote: »

Thanks guys.
I'll get going round with my clip board and pen!

And camera.
Digital or video

barnaby-bear

foodiestudent wrote: »

Thanks guys.
I'll get going round with my clip board and pen!

Pay particular attention to:

inside of oven
underside of mattress
whether freezer/frige compartments are craked under the un-defrosted ice....
scuff marks up stairs