Renting a property can be rewarding but equally challenging. Costly damage to the property
due to tenant’s carelessness, negligence, misuse or even deliberate actions has always been
the biggest problem of renting a property.
Damage to carpets and decorations, cigarette burns have property owners fretting forever.
While some may argue and rightly so that this accounts for fair wear and tear during a
tenancy. But what about costly damages like broken appliances, missing fixtures, or serious
property dilapidation. Historically, many tenant disputes have gone in favor of tenants, and
the property owner’s damage claim was rejected for the lack of enough supporting evidence.
So, how can the property owners protect themselves from costly damage? The best way is to
maintain a comprehensive record of inventory at the start and end of the tenancy. The inventory
report is an important document that can help protect the property against any damage and
prevent the chances of a dispute with the tenant.
Meticulously detailed property inventory reports should list and describe the quality of the
property’s contents, décor, fixtures, and fittings, for both the interior and exterior. A reassuring
and high-quality property inventory report will not only list the items within the property but
also record the condition of the building and its contents. High-resolution photographs
provide an excellent overview of the property, showing clearly the condition of the property
and its contents.
Making a property inventory report is a fairly common and good practice as it helps to
identify what changes have taken place and who should be responsible for them. For
example, a tap leakage constitutes daily wear and tear, but a missing tap is a deduction that
needs to be made from the tenant’s deposit. Inventories are critical for preventing tenant
disputes and reaching a resolution that is in the best interests of both the tenant and property
owner.
To be considered valid proof in settling any disputes, it is mandatory that the inventory
report is fully agreed upon and signed by both the tenant and property owner. The property owner’s
inventory report should record the property check-in condition status very carefully,
illustrated with the date and time-stamped photographs. Likewise, the tenant should carefully
read the inventory report completed by the property owner, and sign the document only after
a satisfactory assessment.
Professional Property maintenance services check-in and check-out document is the best way for property
owners to protect their property. The check-out document provides a useful overview of the
property at the end of the tenancy listing any major changes/damages to the property,
allowing for reasonable wear and tear. The importance of a detailed inventory report cannot
be understated. A well written, concise, and easy to read inventory report forms the basis for
dispute settlement and damage claim, creating a fair outcome for all involved.
