Things to check at inventory review?

Wobblydeb

I am moving into a rented property soon, and will be doing the inventory check.

It should be simpler because the place is unfurnished, and in great condition but can you make suggestions of things I should do / questions to ask?

Some things I had thought of so far:

• Check all window locks have a key
• Make sure any damage to doors is noted/photographed
• Make sure any damage to bathroom and kitchen fittings is noted/photographed
• Photograph any existing wear/stains on carpets

Any other ideas?

BitterAndTwisted

It's not just the items in there that you should be noting but also the condition of the doors, paintwork (marks, scratches) and that things actually work like the heating and the hot water.

G_M

The important thing is to check the accuracy of what is on the inventory. Things missing from the inventory are not really an issue for you, though they could be an issue for the LL whan you leave. If the inventory fails to mention something, then the LL cannot later claim you have damaged, lost or stolen it.

So just go through the inventory and ensure a) that items mentioned actually exist and b) items described as 'working', or 'good condition' actually are as described, otherwise you can later be held responsible for their absence or poor condition.

Salz

You do need to check very thoroughly - most inventories these days will say xxx amount of marks on the wall - I have found these are always underestimated - if there are more you need to add them on - if you can, check before you put your furniture in as there may be marks on the carpets etc. I have moved rentals many times so I am quite used to doing this, and would say it will take you at least an hour to do it properly - it is worth it though, I have always got my full deposit back.

tracey12_2

When I moved in my rented house it took me ages to note down all the extra problems that were not noted on the inventory.

For example the house needs decorating and there are a number of scratches, dents, wallpaper missing etc in places that were not noted on the inventory.

The inventory said there was a rotary line in the garden but this was missing.

It said that the skirting boards were all freshly painted, some had been but some had not been. Behind one of the bedroom doors there was a large dent in the wall, it looked like someone had banged the door back with such force that it actually dented the wall, this was not noted on the inventory. On the back of most of the bedroom doors there were names scratched into the wood and various names written in pen, these were not on the inventory.

Basically you need to check every wall, floor, door, curtains, roller blinds etc and note any extra damage otherwise they will take this out of your deposit to put right even though the damage was not by yourself.

Tracey

BitterAndTwisted

Date-stamped digital photos of every mark and scratch could come in very handy at check-out time.

clutton_2

open and close every drawer and door and curtain as well..

turn on gas - electrics - shower - cooker - oven and hobs

dont forget the garden/yard