Inventory Signing Query

Elbur81

Hi,

We are moving into rented (1st time) and the Estate Agent is expecting us to go tomorrow into their office to sign the inventory and rental contract.

The inventory has apparently been done a few days ago. Is it the 'done thing' to go and sign a 'blind' inventory?

So i'm asking would it be out of order / better to agree to signing the rental contract but asking for a unsigned copy of the inventory (i guess you normally get a copy to keep?) and say that we'll return it with any amendments / queries within 7 days - then once both parties are happy it can be signed...or should we just sign it tomorrow but ensure we have a timeframe to input any amendments (even though i don't think this is the 'fairest' way to go about things...).

Any advice would be v helpful.

Thanks.

Fire_Fox

Life is not fair, this is about potentially signing away your deposit. Do not sign an inventory without examining the condition of the property carefully yourself. If you have signed it you will have no legal right to amend the inventory! The agent works from the landlord, you need to cover your own @rse.

SusieT

Check it properly and make sure every mark, scratch, crack or dirty patch is noted as when you move out they will be sure to be picked up on!!
If you sign it without checking it as Fire Fox has said you are possibly signing away your deposit!

Well worth making a note of the meter readings at the same time so that they are at the bottom of the inventory just in case there is a dispute over readings from the previous tennant.

tyllwyd

I agree - ask for a copy to take away with you, walk around the property with it and note anything you aren't happy with. We rented a property, and the inventory had obviously just been updated here and there rather than properly checked by the letting agent, as there were stupid mistakes like the description of the lampshade being the wrong colour.

Elbur81

Thanks for your replies.

Having had a little search about it looks like it alot of people just sign them then get back in touch with the EA if there are discrepancies etc.

I'll prob ask if we can take away the unsigned inventory but if they dig their heels in i guess we'll just sign it and refer back...

mrcol1000

You will be told that if there is anything on the inventory that is different to when you go in the house you need to inform them within 7 days. The property I am in at the moment the letting agent used the same inventory for when the previous tenant moved in which was very incorrect. I spent a few hours writing down all the differences and gave them a copy and kept my own copy.

sharpee

I would not sign until I had inspected the property and made not of any differences. If you sign a blind copy you are not protecting yourself. Any decent LA (not that there are many around) will give you 7 days to return the amended inventory to them

BexInLondon

Don't sign it blond, no matter what they say about having 7 days to get back to them with any changes. That's crazy.

Elbur81

Thanks again.

Well it seems there's no massive NO don't do it!

I have decided to (attempt) take away an unsigned inventory.

If they are stubborn, i'll sign the inventory and then take a pics of the house - notifying the agent of any things which we disagree with.

G_M

Elbur81 wrote: »

Thanks again.

Well it seems there's no massive NO don't do it!

I have decided to (attempt) take away an unsigned inventory.

If they are stubborn, i'll sign the inventory and then take a pics of the house - notifying the agent of any things which we disagree with.

Mad. Do not 'attempt' to take it away unsigned. TAKE IT AWAY UNSIGNED. You placed a query here and countless people have advised you the same thing.

DO NOT SIGN.

Would you ask a workman to do some work for you, say gardening, and give him a blank, signed cheque, and then leave him to do the garden and complete the cheque? A workman you've never met before?

This is a legal document. Read it. Check it. Then and only then sign it. Insist on a signed (by the LL/agent) copy too.

A LL or agent who is unhappy with you insisting on this is not a LL/agent to trust!