An inventory is a true representation of your property taken before the start of any tenancy. In order to ensure the property is returned to you in the best possible condition, it is essential that a detailed list of the contents, fittings and fixtures of a property is taken prior to a tenant moving in. All rooms are described with great attention to detail from floor to ceiling with photo evidence. Deposit schemes prefer and favour inventories carried out by a third party, independent inventory specialist as otherwise it can be considered bias and therefore cannot be relied upon.

When a tenant is ready to occupy the property, a Check-in should be carried out. We meet the tenant on the day that they are moving into the property and walk through the property and the inventory report which was produced prior to check in with the tenant to make sure they are at agreement of the condition and contents of the property. We agree and make any additional comments to the inventory together where necessary. This is conducted to avoid disputes at the end of the tenancy, as the tenant should be fully aware of the condition of the property when he/she begins their tenancy and so should return the property to a similar state at the end of their tenancy. We will also re-record the meter readings so that the readings are accurate to the tenant’s use.

A check out report is conducted at the end of the tenancy, upon the tenant vacating the property. The inventory created at the start of the tenancy is used to compare the condition of the property. We will make a detailed report which will detail any differences to the condition of the property and indicate whether the differences need to be rectified, are a result of ‘fair wear and tear’, need to be “cleaned” or are a result of “maintenance issues”. When the tenant is present for the check out, we will highlight any areas that may affect the return of their deposit. We will take a forwarding address, record final meter readings where possible, take the keys and return them to where instructed. And, of course, we make sure the property is secure before we leave.

An interim inspection is usually carried out on a quarterly basis and used to inform the landlord and/or managing agent the general condition of the property. The Inventory Clerk will check for any potential issues or alleviate any concerns with either party. This also helps bring peace of mind to our landlords, so they are aware that there property is being well looked after. We will look for areas that could be a cause for concern, such as mould or mildew, leaks, obvious tenant damages, pets being kept, or smoking in the property. We will also ask tenants if they are aware of any maintenance issues that may not be immediately obvious, such as heating not working, issues with appliances owned by property etc.

All domestic properties available to buy or rent require a valid Energy Performance Certificate; the certificate is banded from A to G with the highest score being banded as A. Domestic privated rented property must comply with the 2018 Mininum Level of Energy Efficiency standard (EPC band E).

The assessment of the property will take between 20-60 minutes dependent on the size. This assessment requires access to all rooms, loft, heating and hot water equipment. Other areas that form part of the assessment are meters, floors, walls, roof, windows, doors and lightning. Kitchen appliances and free-standing heating equipment are not included. Once the assessment is completed the certificate will be lodged on a central government website.

A floorplan will show the tenant or buyer the dimensions and shapes of the rooms within a property. Measuring the rooms will take 20-60 minutes dependent on the size; access to all rooms will be needed including outhouses and garages. The floorplan will be generated as a JPG document and can added to any website or portal. When required company logos can be added to the document.

Within the Private Rental Sector working Smoke Alarms should be fitted on every floor. Carbon Monoxide Alarms also known as CO2 Alarms should be fitted within the vacinity of any solid fuel burning appliances, that includes an open fireplace. Ballard Property can fit these alarms when carrying out other services at the property. All Alarms supplied by Ballard Property are stand-alone alarms with integrated 10 year batteries.