One of the most difficult situations landlords and letting agents face at the end of a tenancy is dealing with  damage that has built up over time due to neglect , rather than a single incident. From leaking appliances to mould growth and broken fixtures, many of these issues could have been resolved early — if they had been reported. As inventory clerks, we see the consequences of unreported issues every day. This article explains why damage caused by neglect is so contentio

Few things cause more frustration at check-out than  missing items . From remote controls and keys to furniture and garden equipment, disputes often arise when one party insists an item was never provided — and the other insists it was. As inventory clerks, this is one of the clearest examples of why a  detailed, independent inventory is non-negotiable . Why Missing Item Disputes Are So Common Missing items disputes usually happen because: The original inventory lacked detail

Few phrases cause more disagreement at the end of a tenancy than “fair wear and tear”. As inventory clerks, we encounter this issue on almost every check-out inspection, and it remains one of the most misunderstood concepts in property management. Understanding the difference between fair wear and tear and tenant damage is essential for landlords and letting agents — and a professional inventory is the key to making that distinction fairly. What Is Fair Wear and Tear? Fair we

The Hidden Financial Risks of Skipping Professional Inventories Skipping a professional inventory might seem like a cost-saving decision — but in reality, it’s one of the  most expensive mistakes a landlord or letting agent can make . Time and time again, we see landlords lose hundreds — sometimes thousands — of pounds simply because they lacked the right documentation when a tenancy ended. Here’s why missing inventories cost far more than they save. The True Cost of “Doing W

A Practical Guide for Letting Agents and Landlords One of the most common disputes at the end of a tenancy centres on a deceptively simple question:  is the damage genuine, or is it just fair wear and tear? For letting agents and landlords, this distinction can mean the difference between a smooth deposit return and a costly, time-consuming dispute. With tenant rights strengthening and deposit adjudicators scrutinising evidence more closely than ever, understanding where the

We’ve completed so many check-outs over the years, and no two inspections are ever the same. From unexpected damage to tenant misunderstandings, here are the ten most common surprises we encounter during check-outs — and what landlords and agents can learn from them. 1. Hidden Damage Behind Furniture Wardrobes, beds and sofas often conceal: Stains Wall dents Carpet marks Damp patches These are only discovered when the tenant moves out. 2. Mattresses in Poor Condition One of t

The end of a tenancy is one of the most challenging stages for landlords and letting agents. Tenants want their deposit back quickly, while landlords want to ensure the property is returned in good condition. This combination often creates tension and, without proper evidence, can lead to disputes. At The Property Inventory Co., we’ve carried out thousands of check-out inspections across East Sussex and Kent. Over time, we’ve identified common check-out issues—many of which a

Some tenancies require more detail than a standard inventory report offers. Pets, smokers, furnished properties, student lets, and high-traffic rentals all benefit from  inventory addendums . What Is an Addendum? An addendum is an extra section added to an inventory report that focuses on a specific area of risk. It provides clarity, documentation, and protection for both landlord and tenant. When to Use Addendums Pets in the property Smoking restrictions Short-term rentals H

Words are powerful, but photographs are irrefutable. When it comes to property inventories, high-quality photographs can make the difference between a smooth tenancy transition and a heated deposit dispute. Here’s why professional photography should be at the core of every inventory. Why Photos Matter So Much When tenants move out, disputes typically arise because memories fade. Tenants may genuinely believe something was already damaged — or simply hope the landlord can’t pr

More landlords than ever are allowing pets — but this comes with extra wear and tear risks. Independent inventories are key to managing these properties effectively and fairly. Our clerks take extra care to document flooring, doors, skirting boards, and soft furnishings that may be affected by pets. At check-out, we look for pet-related odours, stains or damage, ensuring the evidence is clear and impartial. At The Property Inventory Company, we help landlords and agents embra

When a tenancy ends, deposit deductions are often the biggest source of disputes. Clear, independent inventories provide the evidence needed to justify fair deductions — and protect both parties from unfounded claims. Our clerks produce detailed before-and-after comparisons that show exactly what’s changed. By combining written descriptions with timestamped photos, we make it easy for adjudicators and agents to reach fair conclusions. At The Property Inventory Company, we hel

Pet-friendly rentals are in demand, but they can also increase wear and tear. At The Property Inventory Company, we help landlords protect their properties while remaining fair to tenants. What We Record Flooring and carpet condition. Odours or stains. Scratches on doors or furniture. Evidence of pet ownership if not declared. Why It Helps A thorough record ensures landlords are covered for pet-related damage and tenants aren’t blamed unfairly. Takeaway:  With accurate, impar

Check-outs can be stressful for tenants and landlords — but with an impartial clerk, they don’t have to be. What We Do at Check-Out Compare the current condition to the original check-in. Highlight changes, damage, and cleanliness issues. Include photos for transparency. Why Independence Matters A neutral third party ensures that no one feels unfairly treated. Disputes are resolved faster because the evidence is clear and unbiased. Takeaway:  A professional check-out ensures

After thousands of inspections, our clerks have seen it all — from minor scuffs to serious damage. Understanding the difference between tenant damage  and fair wear and tear  is key to fair reporting. Examples of Fair Wear and Tear Faded paint from sunlight exposure. Slightly worn carpets in high-traffic areas. Loose door handles or minor scuffs from everyday use. Examples of Tenant Damage Large stains or burns on carpets. Broken doors or smashed furniture. Holes in walls, mi

At The Property Inventory Company, we don’t just provide detailed inventory reports — we also offer professional end of tenancy and pre-tenancy cleans  to help landlords and agents maintain property standards and reduce disputes. Why Cleaning and Inventories Go Hand in Hand A clean property sets the benchmark for the tenancy. When a property is professionally cleaned before move-in, it becomes easier to assess cleanliness at the end of the tenancy. Our cleaning team and clerk

When a tenancy ends, disputes between landlords and tenants often arise over the return of the deposit. At The Property Inventory Company, we know from experience that an  independent inventory  is the single most effective way to resolve disagreements fairly. Why Disputes Happen Deposit deductions:  Landlords may claim costs for cleaning, damage, or missing items. Tenant objections:  Tenants may feel they’re being charged unfairly for wear and tear. Lack of evidence:  Withou

Flooring and carpets see the heaviest use in a rental property, which makes them a common source of disagreement at check-out. At The Property Inventory Company, we know how to distinguish  fair wear and tear  from damage. What We Look For General wear (flattened carpet pile, minor scuffing). Stains, burns, or tears. Loose or lifting floor coverings. Cracked tiles, warped laminate, or water damage. How We Record Flooring Our clerks: Take wide-angle photos to show overall cond

Most rental properties include  white goods and appliances  such as fridges, ovens, and washing machines. These items are among the most...

One of the simplest but most important parts of an inventory is logging  keys, fobs, and remotes . At The Property Inventory Company, we...

Damp and mould are some of the most common issues we see in rental properties — and also some of the most disputed. At The Property...