Inventory

Lilith1980

Hi all,

Moved into a new house last weekend. The landlord left us an inventory of the house, with photos of each room together with his description, to go through and return within 14 days.

I have found things here and there which I have written against each room because I don't want there to be any dispute if/when we move out (we're planning on a few years of living there if all goes well but I think reading this section of the forum has made me even more careful!). E.g. things like a chipped tile, and two of the knobs on the cooker look like they have melted in places.

We have an upstairs shower room and I only noticed last night that there is an extractor fan on the ceiling in the corner (been too busy sorting our bits and pieces out to notice)

I'm not sure if it's meant to come on automatically when you switch the light on or whether it had a pull-cord which is missing. Either way, I am concerned that without this there will be a build-up of condensation and mould and, again, I don't want this to come back on us because we didn't mention it. The shower room does not have an external wall and therefore no window.

Shall I also make a note of this on the inventory (I am sending it all to him tomorrow) and put a covering letter to ask whether this can be fixed as I am concerned about mould?

I have learnt from here that putting things in writing is important so wondered if it was a good time to mention it when sending the inventory back?

Thanks

Werdnal

Sounds like a good plan - ALWAYS put requests for repairs or report problems in writing.

Initial and date each page of the inventory, even if it doesn't ask you to, as it prevent any changes being made after you have accepted it. Keep a copy, and when you post it, ask for free proof of posting from the Post Office counter to prove when you sent it back.

Lilith1980

Thanks for this

Should I also take photos of the things I am noting on the inventory (such as the melted cooker knobs) and include copies of these with the inventory?

Werdnal

Lilith1980 wrote: »

Thanks for this

Should I also take photos of the things I am noting on the inventory (such as the melted cooker knobs) and include copies of these with the inventory?

Definately, the more evidence you can get the better. Your LL may be excellent and just take your word for it all, but you only need to read a few posts here to see how the opposite is so often true!

Is the operation of the cooker adversely affected the "melted" knobs? Google the make and model of the cooker and see if there are replacements available, and perhaps ask if the LL could supply some.

Lilith1980

No it's not adversely affected at all - they still work, they are just a little bit mishapen/miscoloured.

I feel like I am being penikerty (sp.?) but you're right, I have read things on here and it's made me hyper-vigilant!

Werdnal

Lilith1980 wrote: »

No it's not adversely affected at all - they still work, they are just a little bit mishapen/miscoloured.

I feel like I am being penikerty (sp.?) but you're right, I have read things on here and it's made me hyper-vigilant!

Just keep the letter polite and friendly, and tell them that you are concerned that the extractor does not appear to be working and would like them to attend to it to prevent any possible damp/mould issues causing any damage to the property. Make it sound like you being a good tenant and reporting it in timely manner (as you should with all damage and repairs). If they don't take any notice, or fob you off, you can insist something is done then.

As a LL I would want to know if a) my tenants had any concerns and b) my property had any faults, so reporting it is the right thing to do.

Lilith1980

Do you think I should ask in my letter whether he will send someone round, or just explain my concerns in the letter and leave it open to him to deal with (or not)?

dimbo61

When you return the signed inventory please point out that the extractor fan does not work.
You could also give the LL a text or email and see what happens!!!!
He may not know the fan does not work !!
Have you checked to see if there is an isolator switch outside the bathroom? It should be high up on the wall outside the bathroom!!
Yes the fan should come on when you turn on the light but many people turn them off because they do not like the humming sound for 5/10 minutes after they us the toilet at night.
Simple job to fix or replace if broken

Lilith1980

Thanks, I will check for an isolator switch tonight before sending the letter

If I can't find one I will include my concerns in my letter and on the inventory.

Thanks

Fire_Fox

Sounds a little silly but if the extractor doesn't work remind the landlord that there is no window in the bathroom so there is no other ventilation, if they own several properties they may have forgotten this.

Lilith1980

Thanks all - yes I found the isolator switch for the extractor fan and it was off - all working now!

Will sort out photographs for the inventory and get it sent off.

Thanks all