Inventories Explained: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

A good inventory is one of the most useful documents in a tenancy. It gives landlords and tenants a shared, dated record of the property's condition and helps prevent uncertainty when the tenancy ends.

What should an inventory include?

It should describe each room, fixtures, furnishings, cleanliness and any existing marks or damage. Clear dated photographs provide valuable supporting evidence.

Why check-in matters

The tenant should have an opportunity to review the report and raise corrections promptly. That creates an agreed starting point rather than relying on memories months or years later.

Inspections are different

A routine inspection checks how the property is being looked after and identifies maintenance needs. It does not replace the detailed check-in inventory.

What happens at check-out?

The original report is compared with the property's final condition. Fair wear and tear must be allowed for, while any proposed deposit deduction should be reasonable and evidence-based.

Lettings done ethically

At David Doyle, we are proud members of the Ethical Agent Network. That means our lettings advice and service are independently assessed against standards for honesty, professionalism and community care, which matters when both landlords and tenants deserve to be treated fairly.