What is an inventory?

An accommodation inventory is simply a list of all the furniture and furnishings within the property and should describe the condition of everything in the property including the wall and floor coverings.

It is very important that yourself or the landlord compile an inventory, as this will often be the only evidence of the condition of the property before you move in. If you want your deposit returned in full it is worth taking the time to complete an inventory.

When compiling an accommodation inventory it is essential that you:

• State the condition of every item within the property. If the inventory does not describe the condition of a particular article it will be useful for you to do so, we suggest using terminology such as: new, fair, poor, scratched, torn, stained, etc.
• Back it up with photographic evidence, this can be crucial if a dispute occurs
• Note the gas and electric meter readings
• Get the landlord to agree to, and sign, the inventory
• Get an independent witness to sign the inventory if the landlord refuses to do so.

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