Inventory vs. Schedule of Condition: What’s the Difference?

Property Inventory Co.
Jul 29
2 min read

A Landlord’s Guide to Two Key Documents in Property Management

When it comes to protecting your property and avoiding disputes, accurate documentation is everything. But one question we’re often asked at The Property Inventory Company is:

“What’s the difference between an inventory and a schedule of condition?”

Although they work hand-in-hand, these documents serve different purposes — and both are essential at the start of any tenancy.

What Is an Inventory Report?

An inventory report is a detailed list of all the items and fixtures present in the property at the beginning of the tenancy. It provides:

A full breakdown of the property contents
Descriptions of furniture, appliances, flooring, and more
Photographic evidence of each item or area
Quantity and condition where applicable
Meter readings and key registration

This document is crucial in establishing a baseline for the tenancy and is referenced again at check-out.

What Is a Schedule of Condition?

A schedule of condition focuses specifically on the state and cleanliness of the property — rather than the items within it. It includes:

Notes on wall and floor condition
Cleanliness levels of all rooms
Observations on wear, damage, or maintenance issues
Supporting photos for accuracy
Structural or decorative condition

Think of it as a "health check" of the property’s physical condition at move-in.

How the Two Work Together

The inventory and the schedule of condition are often delivered as a combined report — especially by professional companies like ours. Together, they ensure:

An accurate record of what is present
A clear record of what state it’s in
Confidence for both landlord and tenant
A reference point at check-out to determine any changes, damage, or deductions

This combination makes resolving disputes faster, fairer, and easier.

Why It Matters

Deposit protection schemes rely heavily on evidence. Without a detailed inventory and condition report, landlords may struggle to justify deductions — even when the damage seems obvious.

These documents protect: