Missing Items at Check-Out: How Inventories Prevent “It Wasn’t There” Disputes
- Property Inventory Co.
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
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
Items were listed vaguely (e.g. “sofa” instead of a full description)
Photographs were missing or unclear
The property changed hands between tenancies
Multiple tenants assumed someone else was responsible
In shared or furnished properties, this problem multiplies quickly.
What Inventory Clerks Record (And Why It Matters)
At The Property Inventory Company, our inventories don’t just list items — they describe and evidence them.
We record:
Make, colour, and condition of furniture
Quantity and type of keys and fobs
Remotes, manuals, and accessories
Garden furniture, sheds, tools
Appliances and fittings supplied by the landlord
Each item is supported by clear photographs and written descriptions.
Commonly Missing Items at Check-Out
From our experience, the most frequently disputed missing items include:
Remote controls (TVs, garage doors, gates)
Spare keys or key sets
Dining chairs
Lamps and light fittings
Garden furniture
Mattress protectors and small furnishings
Shelving that was removed “temporarily”
Without a proper inventory, proving responsibility becomes almost impossible.
Why “General Listings” Cause Problems
An inventory that simply states “furnished property” or “contents as seen” offers very little protection.
Professional inventories should never rely on assumptions. If it’s there, it should be listed. If it’s listed, it should be photographed.
This level of detail protects:
Landlords from losses
Tenants from unfair charges
Agents from drawn-out disputes
How Inventories Support Deposit Claims
When a missing item is disputed, deposit schemes require clear, dated evidence. A robust inventory provides:
Proof the item existed at check-in
Proof it is missing or altered at check-out
Independent confirmation from a third party
Fair context around age and value (avoiding betterment)
Without this, many claims fail — even when the landlord is technically right.
The Role of Independent Clerks
An inventory carried out by an independent clerk carries far more weight than one completed by a landlord or agent.
Why?
It’s impartial
It’s professionally formatted
It’s consistent
It stands up under scrutiny
In dispute resolution, neutrality matters.
Why This Matters More Under Changing Rental Laws
With increasing tenant protections and scrutiny on deductions, landlords and agents must rely on facts, not opinions.
A professional inventory is no longer just good practice — it’s a vital layer of protection.
Final Thought
Missing item disputes are almost always avoidable. The difference between a smooth check-out and a stressful dispute is often one thing: the quality of the inventory.
Book Your Professional ARLA Propertymark Accredited Property Inventory, Check-In & Check-Out Report Today
Ensure your rental property is fully protected with a detailed, professional inventory report from The Property Inventory Company — your trusted ARLA Propertymark Accredited Inventory Provider.
Our expert inventory clerks deliver reliable check-in and check-out inspections for landlords, letting agents, and property managers, helping to safeguard properties and maintain compliance with industry standards.
Call us: 07428 821141
We proudly provide ARLA-approved inventory services across Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells, Heathfield, Hailsham, Hastings, Bexhill, Crowborough, Lewes, Brighton, and all surrounding areas in East Sussex and Kent.
Comments