Check-out inventory for rented property

martysams

Hi all,

I am shortly to move out of a rented property and my landlord (with whom I am on good terms) has asked that I arrange a check-out inventory with a professional company. He arranged for the inventory for when I moved in. I'm happy to do as asked but I'm not sure if I am also expected to pay for this.

My contract states the following:

Inventory
At the end of the Tenancy you will be invited to attend a check-out process which will be arranged by us.

The definitions at the start of the contract state that "Us" refers to the Landlord and so it is clear he is responsible for "arranging" the inventory. Is it fair to assume that 'arranging' also means 'paying for'?

Thanks

martindow

It could just be that the LL is asking you to fix a convenient time with the inventory company. It is much easier doing it this way than messages going to and fro via an intermediary.


If the contract is silent on who pays for the checkout inventory then I would take it that the LL picks up the bill. As you are on good terms maybe it is best to bring up the subject.

need_an_answer

How long have you been in the property?

Inventories are one of the charges that can no longer be passed to tenants but only if your contract began after 1st june this year.

Prior to that if your tenancy commenced before june the charge can be passed to the tenant if it is clearly deemed in the tenancy agreement and the charge is quoted..this charge can be made until the end of may next year.

As martin says above if nothing is mentioned regarding charges then it can be assumed that the LL pays and in this circumstance I agree that perhaps you are being invited to arrange a suitable time with the inventory provider to be present at check out.

martysams

Thanks both.


I have contacted my landlord and he has said he has said he was expecting me to pay the fee but will look at the contract to see if this is stated.


I've been in the flat since October 2018 so I guess that means I'm on the old terms where the fee can be passed on to me. However the contract doesn't mention who should pay for the inventory nor how much it will cost so from what need an anss.. has said above it sounds like this will work in my favour.


Thanks again

need_an_answer

does your LL use an agent?
I believe that the charges for incidentals and sundries would need to have been in your tenancy agreement or freely available to view on the agents website at the time you arranged the tenancy.

If he's a private LL who didn't use an agent or have his own website I believe he needs to have made you aware of any charges....he cant just hit you with them now.

An inventory is always for the benefit of the LL and in my view as a LL it should remain their responsibility to arrange,have carried out and pay for.

The onus is on the LL to advise you that you were able to easily find the information regarding charges or that they were specifically mentioned in your contract.

He may well try to deduct the charge from the deposit,if this is the case dispute it with the relevant deposit scheme whom hold your deposit.
Again without proof that you were advised of the charge prior,they will possibly deem it as an unfair deduction.

G_M

Personally I think that "will be arranged by us." is clear - the landlord will pay.
Even if ambiguous, any ambiguous term is interpreted to the advantage of he party who did not draw up the contract - you.


Finally, the inspecion if for the LL's benefit primarily, as it supports any deductions /costs he wants to impose for damage.


Don't pay (in the politest way possible!)