Property Inventories – An Insight
8 October, 2009
Property Inventories ' An Insight
In recent years, the lettings market has grown considerably,
even during these tough economic times.
You may think the economy is slowing down, I can assure you the lettings
market is booming. Inventories London,
in fact is one of the few businesses benefiting from the property market
slowdown. As you may be aware, across the many countries property prices are
falling. According to many experts
property will continue to decline in the near foreseeable future. This has had a positive effect on the
increasing lettings market. Builders remain cautious, repossessions are high,
homeowners in negative equity and list goes on.
What does this all mean you ask?
The time now is great opportunity to set up, start and
launch an Inventory business.
The marketplace has never been better! The demand for a
professional, detailed Inventory service is in demand by Landlords and Estate
Agents. It's now an essential
requirement if you are involved in property rental. A change in UK legislation in April 2007 means
all Landlords must join and comply with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The scheme protects unscrupulous Landlords
holding back the tenants deposit at end of tenancy. All Landlords must join a deposit scheme, if
they take a financial deposit from a tenant.
Penalties are high should the Landlord chose not to comply. The penalty
could mean the Landlord pays the tenant 3 times the initial deposit. EPC's are
also required once every 10 years, my advice stay clear! The Inventory clerk will need to attend a
very expensive training course in order to offer this service.
What is an Inventory Report?
An Inventory Report is a visual inspection and written
description to record the fixtures, fittings, decoration and furnishings of a
property and their condition. Depending on the property size and furnishings,
the report could be detailed on 30 pages.
Service readings may also be required, such as electricity, gas and
water.
At each six monthly intervals, the landlord may
instruct the Inventory Clerk to carry out an inspection during the
tenancy. The clerk inspects the property
with the tenant present to see how the tenant is looking after the property,
taking in to consideration wear and tear, neglect, cleanliness, maintenance
problems and any outstanding issues the tenant may have or improvements they
have been done. This would allow the Landlord to remain informed during the
tenancy. This may contribute to a hassle free end of tenancy and result in the
tenant not taking action against the Landlord.
I hope this brief article gives you a better insight into
the Inventory Business.