There is an awful amount you need to be aware of when renting out your property.
If anyone needs advice I am here to help. If I can't answer your question I am sure I can point you in the right direction where to look. Or you can come and just have a moan.
I specialise in video inventories. Below is some info on what an inventory is and why you should get one. No hard/soft sell here, I just want everyone to be aware of their options.
An inventory serves as an official record of what is included in a rental property and what condition it is in at any particular point in time. It helps to assist both the landlord and tenant know exactly where they stand.
Prior to the introduction of the TDPS in 2007 a landlord could choose not to prepare an inventory for his property (and most choose not to) or, alternatively, the inventory prepared was extremely basic. However, if a landlord now wishes to protect his property, he absolutely must ensure that a complete and thorough inventory is prepared and that the tenant has signed the inventory to confirm they have accepted it.
Landlord/tenant disputes at the end of a tenancy are becoming increasingly common as tenants are recognising that the pendulum has swung firmly in their favour. 92% of disputed cases are in fact being found in favour of the tenant.
So how can a landlord protect his property?
There are 3 types of inventories:
1. Written report only
2. Written report supported with photos
3. Written report supported with video
Now there is nothing wrong with the first two types of inventory however, we have found that a major advantage of using video is that it prevents disputes arising in the first place as there is simply no ambiguity and the tenant cannot argue with a video, and it also means the tenant can see everything in perspective and knows where items must be returned to prior to them leaving the property.
Let me know your thoughts/ideas.
