“Just as ‘location’ is a key
word in buying a property, ‘inventory’ is a key word in renting it,” says
Greg Greatbatch, Director of the country’s leading residential
lettings specialist in Andover, Belvoir, which has an office on Winchester Street.
Disagreements over the
condition of property, at the end of a tenancy, is a major reason for disputes
arising over how much of the tenant’s deposit should be returned, because
landlords often deduct the cost of cleaning, replacing or repairing household
items, furniture and furnishings that tenants say were like that when they
moved in.
“A good quality inventory with
clear photographs - agreed, signed and dated by both landlord and tenant – can
overcome all argument about the condition of a property and its contents,” says
Greg who runs the Belvoir office on Winchester Street in Andover “What
would otherwise be a matter of opinion becomes a matter of fact.”
“When you consider that,
according to current Land Registry data, the average property price in Britain
is now £225,000, it makes a lot of sense for landlords to protect their assets
with a quality inventory. Professional lettings agents such as Belvoir are very
experienced in carrying out a thorough and detailed inventory report –
providing a solid assurance to landlords that their interests are well
protected.”
There are other basic ways of
making sure that relationships run smoothly.
When
a tenancy starts, the landlord and tenant should each keep jointly signed
tenancy agreements that set out terms, conditions, obligations and
responsibilities on both sides. If a property in not fully managed and the
landlord does not have an agent, they should both be present to go through the
property, discuss any concerns and agree the inventory.
Tenants should also meet up
with landlords or their agents for any periodic inspections during the tenancy
– at least two or three times a year to ensure there are not any serious
problems with the property.
Landlords should keep relevant
invoices, bills, work records and household receipts as evidence of
expenditure, whilst tenants should keep copies of household bills, since they
should not be arranging for any works or alterations to a rented property
without first consulting the landlord or agent.
And when the tenancy is over
both parties should be present at the ‘check-out’ to discuss any problems and
reach agreement over any deductions from the deposit.
“Accidents happen but so does
normal wear and tear,” adds Greg “If both landlords and tenants stay
realistic then many quarrels can be settled before there’s any need for the
dispute resolution process.
“In fact there is another key factor in all this – it’s called
‘communication’. Done properly, it can save an awful lot of trouble.”
