In the UK, the answer is no. An agency or a landlord can offer to rent a property and decide not to order an inventory for the tenancy. This allows them to reduce costs but it can have consequences for tenants and their money.
Do you need a property inventory?
As a general rule, it is highly recommended to order an inventory whenever you move into a new property as a tenant. An inventory will establish a benchmark on the condition of the property, making it easier to care for. These reports can also protect you from abusive landlords that will charge you for any changes, or damages without evident proof.
Similarly, if you are a landlord, an inventory can help you protect your assets and provide a strong and legal base for any claims you wish to make.
In simple terms, no inventory = no evidence > no claims > no deductions or charges
If I do my own inventory, can it be used as a legal document in case of a dispute?
To answer this question, one must consider the topic of objectivity.
If you create your own inventory for your tenancy, you have to understand that as a tenant you are not an impartial party and therefore, if you create your own report, you will be exposed to suspicion of partiality from your landlord. Similarly, this applies to a landlord doing their own inventory as well.
No inventory = no evidence > no claims > no deductions or charges
To avoid this caveat, make sure you document your report with a lot of clear photos and precise descriptions of what you are listing down in your inventory. The photos you will take will be critical as they simply capture what reality looks like at a given time and therefore can hardly be challenged for as long as clear time stamps are provided (that is showing the date and time of the photo).
If your homemade inventory has a dense amount of both written and visual evidence, it is more likely to be used and recognised as a reference point in case of disputed claims but it will never be a 100% objective-free report.
How can inventories carry legal power?
For an inventory to have the best legal value and effect possible, the only solution is to contract a third-party independent professional inventory company to create that inventory on your behalf. As an external agent, the third-party inventory company is less likely to be biased and will offer a neutral rendering of the condition of your property.
Professional inventory companies are also better trained to generate the right kind of data. They know how to provide technical and precise descriptions and are trained to collect relevant photographic evidence.
Professional inventory companies are also better trained to generate the right kind of data.
In the event of disputes, a professional inventory is your best asset. It offers independence in judgement and an undisputable benchmark.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a property inventory is not a legal requirement in the UK, it is advisable for landlords and property managers to consider creating and maintaining one to avoid potential disputes and legal issues in the future.
Hihouse is a professional, certified and trusted inventory partner in London. We provide best-in-class property condition reports to ensure smooth tenancies at all times.
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