Inventory reports, explained
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馃搵 So what actually is an inventory report?
An inventory (with check-in and check-out reports) is a dated, room-by-room record of a rented home's condition and contents, usually with photos. There's no legal inventory certificate and no renewal date. It's best practice, and it's the evidence deposit schemes look at if there's a dispute.
A clear check-in report makes deductions at the end of a tenancy far easier to justify.
Check the report carefully at move-in and add anything that's missing. It protects you too.
Independent clerks save your team time at busy changeover periods.
Not usually needed for a sale, but useful if you're buying with tenants in place.
What to expect on the day
- The clerk walks every room, noting condition, cleanliness and contents.
- They take dated photos and record meter readings and keys.
- At check-in, the tenant is usually invited to review and sign.
- At check-out, the clerk compares against the original and notes changes.
How to get ready
- Have the property clean and ready, as it will be at move-in.
- Gather keys, manuals and any appliance details.
- Tell the tenant when the check-in or check-out is.
- Have the previous inventory to hand for a check-out.
馃挿 What it usually costs
Honest answer: prices vary with the size of your home, what needs checking and how soon you need it. We don't make up "average prices". Get two or three quotes and compare like for like. Check what's included: is a certificate copy extra, and what about re-visits?
Eastern (England)
North West (England)
South West (England)
Bristol 路 Exeter 路 Plymouth 路 Truro
West Midlands (England)
Yorkshire and the Humber (England)
Scotland
Edinburgh 路 Glasgow
Wales
Rules differ by nation
England
- There is no statutory inventory certificate or renewal deadline for rented homes in England.
- A dated check-in inventory with photos is best practice and is the main evidence deposit schemes use in disputes. Check the exact rules with your deposit scheme.
Wales
- Since 1 December 2022 most private tenancies in Wales are 'occupation contracts' under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
- Private landlords and agents in Wales must register (and, if managing, be licensed) with Rent Smart Wales.
- There is no statutory inventory certificate in Wales.
- A dated check-in report helps with deposit disputes under the Welsh scheme rules. Check the exact rules with your deposit scheme.
Scotland
- Private landlords in Scotland must register with the local council (Scottish Landlord Register) before letting.
- Rented homes must meet the Repairing Standard (Housing (Scotland) Act 2006).
- There is no statutory inventory certificate in Scotland.
- Deposits must be lodged with an approved scheme within 30 working days; a check-in report helps if there's a dispute. Check the current rules on mygov.scot.
Northern Ireland
- Private landlords in Northern Ireland must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme.
- There is no statutory inventory certificate in Northern Ireland.
- Deposits must be protected in an approved scheme; a check-in report helps if there's a dispute. Check the current rules on nidirect.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an inventory report cost?
Prices vary with property size, what needs checking and how soon you need it. We don't publish price estimates without a citable source - compare two or three quotes.
How do I check an inventory report provider is genuine?
There's no statutory register. Ask about membership of a professional body such as the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) or the Association of Building Inventory Clerks (ABIC), and verify it on the body's own site.
Do tenants or homeowners need one too?
Tenants: Check the report carefully at move-in and add anything that's missing. It protects you too. Letting agents: Independent clerks save your team time at busy changeover periods.