Should I Do My Own Property Inventory or Use an Independent Professional?
Landlords can prepare their own property inventories, but there is a significant difference between simply recording a property's condition and producing a detailed, professional report that can be referred to throughout the tenancy.
For landlords who want a thorough, independent record, using a professional inventory clerk can provide considerable benefits.
Can a landlord do their own inventory?
Yes. There is no general rule that says a landlord cannot prepare their own inventory. The important issue is the quality of the evidence.
A useful inventory needs to accurately describe the property and its contents, record existing defects and provide sufficient photographic evidence to allow a meaningful comparison later.
So why use a professional?
The main advantage is expertise and independence.
A professional inventory clerk regularly inspects rental properties and understands how to record condition consistently.
An independent clerk also provides separation from the landlord's financial interest in any later dispute.
Propertymark's ARLA Inventories Code of Conduct requires accredited members to act fairly and impartially and produce objective assessments of property contents and condition. ARLA Propertymark Accredited Inventory Provider therefore reflects a professional framework for inventory providers.
What can go wrong with a DIY inventory?
Descriptions that are too vague
Poor-quality photographs
Important areas being missed
Existing damage not being recorded
Cleanliness being described too generally
No consistent comparison at check-out
Photographs that don't clearly identify what they show
Our article The Most Overlooked Areas in Property Inventories looks at some of the details that can easily be missed.
Independence matters
An independent clerk does not decide whether a landlord should make a deduction from a deposit. Their role is to provide factual evidence.
That distinction is important. The clerk records what they see; the relevant parties and, where necessary, a deposit dispute resolution service consider what that evidence means.
Professional doesn't necessarily mean complicated
A good professional inventory should be easy to understand. It should clearly describe each area, identify issues, use photographs appropriately and create a useful starting point for the tenancy.
What about check-in and check-out?
For the strongest reporting trail, the original inventory should sit alongside the check-in service and later check-out service.
Our article How Professional Inventories Speed Up End-of-Tenancy Turnarounds explains why clear reporting can also help agents move properties through the end-of-tenancy process more efficiently.
Final thoughts
DIY inventories can be perfectly legitimate, but the quality of the report is crucial.
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 821141Email: contact@propertyinventoryco.co.uk
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.
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